San Francisco officials approve CAREN Act that would ban race-based calls to 911

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The San Francisco Board of Supervisors have approved a legislation that will ban false, racially-biased calls to 911, reports CBS San Francisco.

Named Caution Against Racial and Exploitative Non-Emergencies (CAREN) Act, the measure passed the chamber with all 11 supervisors voting yes.

The name is a acknowledgement to a widespread meme using the name “Karen” to describe a specific type of white, middle-aged woman, who exhibits behaviors that stem from privilege, such as using the police to target people of color.

Under the CAREN Act, calls to 911 with the specific intent to discriminate based on someone’s race, ethnicity, national origin, place of birth, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion is banned. Victims of such calls will also be allowed to sue the caller.

“Communities of color have the right to go about daily activities without being threatened by someone calling 911 on them due to someone’s racism,” said supervisor Shannon Walton, who authored the measure. “Rather than calling the police or law enforcement on your neighbor or someone who you think doesn’t look like they should be your neighbor, try talking to them and getting to know them. Let’s build relationships in our communities.”

If approved, the legislation will serve as a problem solving pursuit other communities have taken to address systemic racism.

In September, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy officially made 911 calls based on race illegal in the state. If convicted, offenders could face jail time.

The CAREN Act will be voted again by the Board of Supervisors at next Tuesday’s meeting before heading to Mayor London Breed’s desk, according to the report.

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