Staff Writer/Cleveland City Council Press release
CLEVELAND (Nov. 6, 2024) — On Thursday, Nov. 7, Cleveland City Councilmembers, the family of Tanisha Anderson, and members of the Student Legislative Initiative of Cleveland will come together to introduce “Tanisha’s Law.” This new legislation, aimed at improving how the city responds to mental health crises, represents a poignant step toward healing and change. The event will take place at Case Western Reserve University’s (CWRU) law school, honoring Tanisha Anderson’s legacy while advocating for a safer, more compassionate future.
Event Details
WHO:
- Councilmembers Stephanie Howse-Jones, Charles Slife, and Rebecca Maurer
- Michael Anderson, uncle of Tanisha Anderson, with family members
- CWRU law students Yaninna Sharpley-Travis and Robert Read
WHAT:
- A press conference discussing “Tanisha’s Law,” introduced to Cleveland City Council on Monday. This legislation proposes a collaborative approach to crisis intervention, involving police, mental health professionals, and community members with specialized training. The law was developed with input from Tanisha’s family and law students at CWRU who are committed to impactful local policy.
WHEN:
- 3:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024
WHERE:
- Moot Courtroom, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, 11075 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
Honoring Tanisha’s Memory
On November 12, 2014, Tanisha Anderson’s life ended tragically during a mental health crisis. A 37-year-old mother and cherished daughter, Tanisha was struggling and vulnerable when the police arrived at her family’s home. Wearing only a nightgown and barefoot in the cold, Tanisha’s calls for help went unanswered. Instead of receiving the care she needed, she was forcibly restrained by Detective Scott Aldridge and Officer Brian Meyers. Pinned to the icy ground for 21 minutes, she lost her life as her mother, Cassandra Johnson, her teenage daughter Mauvion, and other family members watched in shock and fear from their porch, with officers pointing guns at them.
The trauma from that night rippled through Tanisha’s family and the community. “We watched helplessly as Tanisha’s life slipped away. No family should ever endure what we did,” said Michael Anderson, Tanisha’s uncle and a steadfast advocate for reform.
Cassandra Johnson, who later passed away, remained heartbroken by her daughter’s death. Tanisha’s story is not only about loss; it’s about the urgent need to transform how law enforcement engages with individuals in crisis.
Building a Path Forward
“Tanisha’s Law” aims to change the response to mental health emergencies by incorporating co-response models and alternative intervention strategies. This means training Cleveland police, mental health professionals, and community advocates to work together, ensuring those in crisis are treated with the compassion and care they deserve. “This law is about making sure no other mother has to cry out in pain like my sister did,” said Michael Anderson.
The Student Legislative Initiative of Cleveland, a dedicated group of CWRU law students, collaborated closely with Tanisha’s family and city council members to bring this vision to life. “This is more than policy; this is about creating hope and trust in our community,” said Yaninna Sharpley-Travis, one of the CWRU students who worked on the legislation.
Councilmember Stephanie Howse-Jones emphasized the broader impact: “This law reflects our commitment to doing better, to truly protecting and serving every resident, especially those who need empathy and understanding in their darkest moments.”
The Call for Change
The press conference will provide a platform for Tanisha’s family to share their journey and the significance of the proposed law. The community is invited to come together, listen, and advocate for change.
Tanisha’s story serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of this legislation. By passing “Tanisha’s Law,” Cleveland aims to turn a painful chapter into a legacy of reform and compassion, ensuring that future responses to mental health crises prioritize humanity and dignity.
This press conference will also provide an opportunity to highlight the work of these student advocates and Case Western Reserve University’s engagement in transformative community partnerships.
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