RCC

News, Youth

Statement from SGA at RCC re:Police Brutality incident on campus

United We Stand Against Police Brutality        As a representative of the Student Government Association at Roxbury Community College, I personally denounce the brutality and the absolute act of barbarism displayed by the cops that arrested a 16-year old boy on RCC campus on Friday Nov. 22, 2010. I am not commenting on the reason for the arrest, but rather on the approach. The excessive force, punching, and kneeing used on this young boy, even after he had been subdued were crude, unfair, and unnecessary. It is disheartening to know that many police officers, among whom are those that were involved in this arrest, still fail to understand that in their quest to preserving public safety and peaceful community coexistence, the society expect them to act more diplomatically. I adore the courage of my fellow student that took the video footage of this ugly incident. Without her effort, these abusers in uniforms and the Boston Police Department, as usual, would have furnished the public with their diluted and unfairly tailored version of the incident.          Also clearly important is the need to stress that the entire student community of Roxbury Community College feel disrespected by this incident for the very fact that this untamed police brutality took place on our campus. These cops came in, unleashed their viciousness, and walked out. The fact that this institution is a predominantly black community should not make the Boston Police Department or any society member, no matter how highly or lowly placed, to think that we do not deserve to be accounted for. If this had happened on the private property of a  predominantly white community institution, I am absolutely positive that Michael T. McManus and the rest of his untamed team would have been cautious of how they unleashed the brutality that have overshadowed their mental faculty.        As the voice of the entire student of Roxbury Community College, I assert that we deserve the right to feel secure on our campus. Even though the young boy in question is not a student of RCC, the fact that this ferocious attack took place on our campus gives us no choice than to proudly stand with our fellow student that took the video footage of the occurrence to condemn the continuous perpetuation of police brutality in the society. Our support for her is unquestionably essential because if we decide to keep quiet because the boy in question is not a fellow student. We might not have the courage to stand up for our fellow colleague in the future if this was to happen to them. We might not have the courage to discourage police brutality in the society, especially black dominated communities. This, we believe is what it means to make a difference, and this we all proudly stand up for.    Tajudeen J Akinbode.   On behalf of the Student Government Association of RCC and the entire student community it governs.                                                                                                                                    tjakinbode@roxbury.edu                     

News, Youth

Boston Police criticized for rough arrest

Boston Police criticized for rough arrestOct 28, 2010 5:16pmhttp://www.necn.com/10/28/10/Boston-Police-criticized-for-rough-arres/landing_newengland.html?blockID=341014&feedID=4206 (NECN: Josh Brogadir, Boston) – Several community leaders are criticizing Boston Police officer for being too rough during the arrest of a teen in Roxbury. The perception among some community leaders is that dialogue is not open with police. They want these officers suspended without pay. A call to prayer followed the call for change within the Boston Police Department, as community activists gathered out front of headquarters to denounce allegations of police brutality. “I believe that it is time that the mayor tells the commissioner you must do the job right or step down,” said former State Sen. Bill Owens. The anger stems from this cell phone video of a Roxbury Community College entryway which shows police officers holding down, kneeing, and punching a 16 year old boy, who was wanted on multiple warrants and had escaped from a Department of Youth Services Center last Friday. Police say he had grabbed handcuffs and was resisting, flailing, and throwing punches, injuring three officers. According to a police narrative, “Officers struck SUSPECT multiple times with closed fists and used knee strikes as trained in the police academy in an attempt to control and bring SUSPECT under control.” “No I don’t see any reason that could warrant that type of force particularly after the young man is subdued,” said community activist Jamarhl Crawford. That video was shot and posted on YouTube by first year RCC student Eusida Blidgen. “This young man got beaten down. And I give the love and the respect to his family and anyone who’s very close to him, because I’m still shaken up about the incident,” she said. Boston Police Internal affairs is now investigating, and Police commissioner Ed Davis called on Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley to review the case which his top prosector will do. Community leaders urged a non-violent response as they await the findings. “Young people I want to say to you, we want your response to be positive and constructive. There are issues that are clearly identified. I heard some young people said finally, we have evidence of what we’ve been saying to the adults for years,”said Minister James Hills, community leader. A rally for young people that may turn into a march will be held at Roxbury Crossing Friday night at 5pm. Boston Police did not comment on the accusations made at today’s protest.

Education, News

Roxbury Community College receives $2.25 million in federal grants

ROXBURY Roxbury Community College receives $2.25 million in federal grants By Matt Rocheleau, Town Correspondent Roxbury Community College has received two federal grants totaling $2.25 million that will go toward improving academic programs. The college was one of 48 in the country to receive a grant through the federal Education Department’s “Strengthening Institutions” program, designed to increase graduation rates. The $400,000 over five years will have two major components, said a release from the institution, allowing “the college to equip classrooms with technology to support current teaching and learning needs, and to provide faculty training to strengthen the quality of instruction.” “The award comes at a time when resources are limited, and, therefore, will greatly aid the College in its ongoing efforts to enhance the overall academic experience of its students,” said the school’s president Dr. Terrence A. Gomes in the release. The campus on Columbus Avenue also received a $250,000-grant to support education and training for students in the Massachusetts Homeland Security-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Bridge Program, the release said, adding that the college will collaborate with Northeastern University on work funded by the federal Homeland Security department’s grant. E-mail Matt Rocheleau at mjrochele@gmail.com.

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