Children are our future.
Oakland councilmembers who state that the city has other priorities are misguided. Even though the city will not legally enforce the proposal, the passage of such a proposal will send a strong statement to the citizens of Oakland and the people of the California in general. As we have moved away from treating minorities and women as second class citizens, now is the time to give children the same protections. It is a statement by the city of Oakland that acknowledges that children have the right and are deserving of being treated respectfully and in non-violent fashion. This proposal is the first step in heightening public awareness.