Rochester SDS Meets with Mayor, Seeks Independent Civilian Review Board

November 13, 2009 Rochester, NY - On Thursday, November 12, representatives of Rochester Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) met with Mayor Robert Duffy to discuss ways that both the City and SDS could move forward after the police brutality that occurred at an antiwar march called by SDS on October 7th, the 8th anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan. Among the students' requests of the Mayor were the creation of an independent civilian review board with the power to make binding decisions, as well as an end to police intimidation against members of SDS which has been occurring since October 7th. Although Mayor Duffy didn't want to comment on Oct. 7th police actions until the internal investigation was completed, he affirmed Rochester SDS's constitutional right to peacefully assemble and stated that he would be happy to help facilitate protests in the future. The Mayor Duffy agreed that the harassment and surveillance of Rochester SDS since October 7th has been uncalled for. In particular he stated that he was “offended” by the instance on October 8th where 5 police cars surrounded and overtly filmed a Rochester SDS meeting.

He said that this type surveillance by the RPD will end and to contact his office directly if it happens again. In light of the findings that the police chief has rejected ALL of the current Civilian Review Board's recommendations in the last two years, Rochester SDS has called for independent civilian review board that has the power to make binding decisions. In response to the call, the Mayor stated that the reform process is “complicated” and “no civilian review system is perfect,” but still seemed open to the idea of a fully independent board. Rochester SDS looks to meet with the city council Public Safety Committee about introducing new legislation on this issue very soon. Overall, members of Rochester SDS thought the meeting was constructive and look forward to working with the Mayor on new civilian review board legislation and other issues in the future. For more information contact: Jake Allen (585)683-2782 Ryan Acuff (585)455-0961 ####