Critics representing some anti-violence and youth organizations gathered on the steps of Rochester’s City Hall Thursday, questioning why some of the funding dedicated to the Rochester Peace Collaborative is being given to Planned Parenthood.
The city set aside $5 million in American Rescue Plan funding for anti-violence initiatives by local groups, aimed at fighting the epidemic of shootings among young people in Rochester. One of the 20 organizations chosen for funding was Planned Parenthood, for its “In Control” program.
Critics say Planned Parenthood is not an anti-violence organization and there are many groups in the city that could make better use of that money.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans responded that Planned Parenthood has been running this program in the city for more than 20 years, and it helps teens of color reject violence by teaching them life skills they can use to choose another way to solve problems.