Mayor Bowser writes last night:
“I am deeply disappointed by the Council’s decision to allow the juvenile curfew zones to expire.
We all want our young people to be able to socialize in age-appropriate ways and in environments that are safe for themselves, for their peers, and for the entire community.
But as adults, we cannot abdicate our responsibility to respond to behaviors that put young people or our community at risk.
I urge the Council to reconsider.
My full statement:
“I am deeply disappointed by the Council’s decision to allow the juvenile curfew zones to expire, especially right now, as we get ready for spring break. The curfew zones have been an important and effective tool for responding swiftly and proactively to concerning trends and behaviors. We have not had to use them often, but when we have, it has had a measurable impact in deterring dangerous and destructive behavior.
We all want our young people safe. We want them to be able to socialize in age-appropriate ways and in environments that are safe for themselves, for their peers, and for the entire community. But as adults, we cannot abdicate our responsibility to respond to behaviors that put young people or our community at risk. I urge the Council to reconsider.”