Commissioner Evans’ Message to Students

Boston Police Commissioner William Evans wants students to advocate for their opinions in a peaceful way.

The Police Commissioner has released the following message to the greater community, telling students that he understands that you may want to gather and protest surrounding any decisions in Ferguson, MO, and to do so in a peaceful and respectful way.

Below is the Commissioner’s message, which can also be found on the Boston Police website. Remember, Dean Elmore will be hosting Coffee and Conversation on Friday at 3pm in the Howard Thurman Center about Ferguson and any decisions that may be released this week in that community.
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A Message to Boston’s College and University Students
November 20, 2014

As fall comes to a close, I hope that this school year has gotten off to a great start for you, and that your studies are going well. As you know, Boston is an amazing city to live in and study as a student.

Today, I am writing to ask for your help. The entire country is anxiously awaiting the grand jury decision in Ferguson over whether or not charges will be brought against a police officer. Demonstrations are likely across the country.

I ask that if public demonstrations occur as a result of the decision they are done with respect to our neighbors and businesses, responsibly and peacefully.

The Boston Police Department respects the rights of individuals to assemble and advocate for their opinions and causes. We are asking students to be mindful that there may be outside agitators trying to provoke and instigate otherwise peaceful protests.

Boston has overcome much, and we have a strong history of coming together in times of challenges and crisis, as demonstrated in our community during the Boston Marathon. We showed then how Boston stayed united and we can show that again with Ferguson and all of the important issues facing us in society today.

Pending the imminent grand jury decision, if you choose to demonstrate please do so in a way that would make your school, your family, and your city proud.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

William B. Evans

Police Commissioner