This is an open letter to the administration of Paul Smith's College from concerned students regarding the news that the college is considering allowing the lease of portions of our campus to New York State Police for use in training recruits. This includes utilizing gyms, classrooms, dorms, and dining facilities.

We understand that things are turbulent for the college and that there are financial struggles. However, we urge you to prioritize current and prospective students and deny this deal with the State Police. Having trainees on campus would be extremely disruptive to student life and wellbeing. 

PSC and Adirondacks has a history of making minorities feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, and unsafe. This affiliation with the State Police will not help us make this campus a place for everyone. Police culture—filled with misogyny, racism, and homophobia—is not one that needs to be fostered at Paul Smith's College and something we must reject for the health of our community.

The University of Illinois Chicago Law Enforcement Epidemiology Project states that, "In the U.S. during a given year, an estimated 1 million civilians experience police threat of or use of force resulting in a conservative estimate of 85,000 non-fatal injuries requiring hospital treatment and 600-1000 deaths."

Additionally, these statistics disproportionally impact people of color, stating "Black males comprise 6.1 percent of the total U.S. population but 24.9 percent of all persons killed by law enforcement."

The Bowling Green State University's Police Crime Database displays crime statistics of 15,200 criminal arrest cases of police between the years 2005 and 2017 across the United States. A few to sum: 

• 1,458 Police officers were arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
• 939 Police officers were arrested for and charged with forcible fondling.
• 674 Police officers were arrested for and charged with rape.
• 2,216 Police officers were arrested for and charged with driving under the influence. 

You say that "Paul Smith’s College is making strides towards implementing ways to create and support a diverse and inclusive community on campus." Honor those promises by listening to our concerns. This is not what we want. Some students call the proposed partnership "a way to neglect our students," others simply call it "bull-shit." We do not want to live and work in this proposed environment, and we ask you to reconsider. The State can go elsewhere.