LATEST VIDEO/AUDIO
| | | Searching for Justice in Jena 6 Case | National Public Radio Interview
Six black teens have been charged with the beating of a white high school student in the rural town of Jena, La. Jordan Flaherty, a journalist living in New Orleans, and Caseptla Bailey, the mother of one of the defendants, give an update on the case.
Listen
more... |
| | Beating Charges Split La. Town Along Racial Lines | National Public Radio: All Things Considered
by Wade Goodwyn
July 30, 2007 ·
As at hundreds of other high schools across America, black and white
students at Jena High School in Jena, La., rarely sit together. The
white students gather under a big shade tree in the courtyard, while
black students congregate near the auditorium..
Listen
more... |
| | | | The Case of the Jena Six |
Democracy Now! The War and Peace Report
Listen to Segment || Download Show mp3
Watch 128k
stream
Watch 256k stream
Read Transcript
Help Printer-friendly version Email to a friend
Six black students at Jena High School in Central Louisiana were
arrested last December after a school fight in which a white student
was beaten and suffered a concussion and multiple bruises. The six
black students were charged with attempted murder and conspiracy. They
face up to 100 years in prison without parole. The fight took place
amid mounting racial tension after a black student sat under a tree in
the schoolyard where only white students sat. The next day three nooses
were hanging from the tree. [includes rush transcript]
more... |
|
|
|
|
The Congressional Black Caucus Calls For Blind and Fair Justice In Jena Six Case |
Children all across our nation, stand and pledge their allegiance to our flag which waves the promises of liberty and justice for all. Yet in countless communities, across America, our judicial system is being prejudiced by racial intolerance, leaving an indelible mark on the law.
The most recent miscarriage of justice has occurred in Jena, Louisiana.
After a series of schoolyard brawls involving African American and white students, six
African American male students at Jena High School have been charged with
attempted murder and conspiracy. However, the white students have yet to be
charged, jailed, or expelled, despite testimony from witnesses who said these
students initiated some of the confrontations.
The Congressional Black Caucus does not condone violence of any kind. However,
we must speak out against injustice and inequality. This tale of two standards
depicts a pattern of gross violations. First, it is unfair to punish only the
African American students when all the students involved must be taught to take
responsibility for their actions. Next, the charges of attempted murder and
conspiracy against the African American students carry an 80-year sentence; such
punishment far exceeds the offense. Additionally, the judge set outrageously
high bails, ranging from $70,000 to $138,000, resulting in the juveniles being
stuck in jails for months. The district attorney and the judge are abusing their
power and removing the blindfold of justice.
The racial hotbed that burned for over nine months in Jena should have been
contained by school and elected officials. Instead, the students were left to
battle this rage without institutional support or resources.
Therefore, the CBC urges the Judge to consider all the factors surrounding these
events during sentencing of Mychal Bell, the first of the six students to be
tried. Additionally, we appeal to the Jena District Attorney, Reed Walters, to
drop the charges against the remaining five students.
The Congressional Black Caucus, 42 Members from 21 states representing Americans
of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, believes we must provide equal access and
opportunity for all. This includes equal justice under the law. If justice is
truly blind, the judge will drop the charges against all six young men and
pledge their support to healing the breach in this community. If America is to
serve as the global example of racial sensitivity, we must work together to
build a united America.
Posted by Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (07-26-2007, 03:03 PM) filed
under Judicial Civil
original link: http://www.thecongressionalblackcaucus.com/
|
|
