“The curfew imposed on the City and that begins tonight was a poorly thought out plan that needs to be rescinded.
Implementing a curfew and increasing the number of police officers patrolling the streets is a tactic to effectively silence the voices raised in protest against the abuse of power and looting of black and colored bodies by members of the police.
This move will only serve to increase Black and Latino arrests and fines as New Yorkers continue to protest. According to Governor Cuomo’s administration, a violation of this curfew would be classified as a Class B misdemeanor. This offense can result in penalties of three months incarceration or a $500 dollars fine.
The right to publicly assemble is a constitutionally protected right. It has been an elemental tool in our fight for independence, the anti-slavery movement, immigrant rights, and women’s rights. We should not limit peaceful protests.
To impose a curfew on the City when Black and Latino communities are protesting for justice, when New York refused to implement a curfew to protect those same people from contagion with a deadly virus is unbelievably misguided and sends the wrong message to anyone paying attention.
The curfew will also cause even more challenges for low-income communities of color, many of which work and commute during the 11 pm-5 am lock-down time period. I am firmly against this curfew and I have serious concerns about its impact on the Black and Latino communities.”
Ydanis Rodriguez was elected to the New York City Council in 2009, representing the 10th Council District (Washington Heights, Inwood, and Marble Hill). An educator for 13 years, Ydanis co-founded Gregorio Luperon High School and the Washington Heights Health Academy.
As a leading voice at the NYC Council, Ydanis has brought changes in transportation, education, economic development, housing, police reform, healthcare, environmental policy, and ensuring low-income families have an equitable path to middle class.
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