VCU is a university in Richmond, VA that prides itself on it's progressive values, diversity, cultural awareness and community work. VCU is also one of the most racially diverse schools in Virginia. 

However, as a result of the recent slaughter of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis, protests have erupted throughout all 50 states. Unfortunately, a high volume of police brutality and abuse of power has been occurring.

On 6/1/2020, it was caught on camera that Richmond Police Department tear-gassed and shot rubber bullets into a crowd of peaceful protesters (many of whom are VCU students). There have been many other videos and eye-witness reports of the violent behavior of the RPD, but this shed more light on the vicious and unwarranted actions of the RPD on peaceful protesters. Many on Twitter and Instagram have shared their experiences of being aggressively arrested whilst not doing anything illegal. One person on Twitter reports being put in a van with other people who were also arrested, with no social distancing measures put in place. These are just a few examples.

The death of VCU student Marcus David Peters, by a Richmond Police Department officer that occurred May 14, 2018, whom was suffering from a mental breakdown, was also never fully dealt with. Peters was a Black 24 year old male. Charges were never pursued against the cop who murdered this man. 

Though none of these events are VCU's fault, by continuing to have connections and ties with the Richmond Police Department, VCU is being complicit. This is why VCU must sever their relationship with the RPD.