Defund the Police

Presented by Rev. Dana Neuhauser, M.DIV., M.A.

The phrase “Defund the Police” has many in the US talking, from young organizers to past and current presidents. The phrase brings mixed reactions, charged emotions, and often more questions than answers. Approached with an open spirit, the phrase invites us to consider alternatives to policing that honor the inherent dignity of all people.

Dana Neuhauser [she, her hers] is a deacon in the United Methodist Church. She likes to think of deacon as shorthand for justice-seeking, peace-making, disciple-equipping follower of Jesus. She has a heart for racial, economic, and environmental justice and seeks to invite and equip others to work for justice in the world as part of faithful living. Whether at a protest, a policy hearing, or a political candidate forum, we get to bear witness to God’s concern for folks on the margins.

She completed theological studies at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and received a Certificate of Justice Ministry Education from Auburn Seminary. She holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese and Religion from Macalester College. Dana and her spouse, Brad, live in Minneapolis with their three children, 4 chickens, and a cat named Gandalf.