A group of RIT students is planning its own take on improving police-community relations in Rochester…with an effort they call Stand Strong and Unite.
RIT’s Black Awareness Coordinating Committee, with support from the office of University President William Destler, is inviting law officers and the public to a barbecue and group discussions Saturday afternoon. They’re holding it on the campus in Henrietta, on RIT’s Greek Lawn. Rochester Police Chief Michael Ciminelli and Deputy Chief Wayne Harris have put their names down to be there, along with several other officers. Members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office say they’ll be there and also RIT Public Safety.
A grad student from Newark, New Jersey named Chib Onwunaka got the ball rolling for the event. He says they want to build a foundation of trust, transparency and understanding between law enforcement and the people they serve.