It’s officially summer. School is out, teachers are sleeping in, and students are searching for things to do — and fortunately, there are plenty of options.
Still, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D) have introduced emergency legislation to strengthen the District’s curfew laws in response to growing concerns about unlawful behavior among groups of young people.
“Most of our young people are doing the right thing,” Bowser said in a recent press release. “But unfortunately, we continue to see troubling trends in how some are gathering — too often leading to violence and unlawful behavior. When we see patterns that put young people and the community at risk, we have to act.”
Under the revised curfew, youth aged 17 and under must be indoors by 11 p.m. throughout July and August. Additionally, the Metropolitan Police Department now has authority to implement temporary curfew zones starting at 7 p.m. for up to 15 days in areas requested by ANCs, business improvement districts, or Main Street organizations.
While this is a legislative and punitive solution, it’s only one part of the equation. Ensuring youth safety must also include providing meaningful, engaging opportunities. That’s why we applaud D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation Director Thennie Freeman, who continues to lead with a strong commitment to accessible programming for residents of all ages.
This summer, DPR offers a wide array of activities — aquatics, fitness, gardening, sports, youth development, and even senior summer camps — across nearly 70 recreation centers in all eight wards.
Equally noteworthy is the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, which officially launched this week, providing teens and young adults with work experience and leadership development.
With this many resources available, it’s hard to argue that “there’s nothing for young people to do.” The key is helping them access and take advantage of what’s out there.
By the time curfew rolls around, D.C. youth should be winding down from a day full of learning, laughter, and growth — ready to rest up and do it all again. That’s what summer should be about.