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D.C. Council Rejects Earlier Youth Curfew
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"It's meant to preserve the peace, order and quiet of neighborhoods," he said.
Dissenting members said youth curfews have not been proven to curb crime, and some worried that the government was taking on a role reserved for parents.
"It doesn't actually fix anything, though it feels good," said council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large). After the meeting, he said he had heard complaints that some children have been harassed by police because of curfews.
Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5) said the curfew was creating a "state of apartheid" for D.C. children. He said young people shouldn't have to defend themselves to police when they are doing nothing wrong.
"We need to stop targeting those who can't defend themselves," he said.
Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) advocated a focus on resources, such as extending recreation centers' hours and creating jobs for young people to keep them out of trouble.
"Some kids don't listen," he said. "Some need some extra help, but that shouldn't be the government's job." Some audience members agreed.
"We should not place a whole group under house arrest for not committing a crime," said Alex Koroknay-Palicz, executive director of the National Youth Rights Association.
