| Clyburn Calls for "Equal Justice Under Law" in Jena 6 Case
Thursday, September 20, 2007
 Printable Format
WASHINGTON, DC—House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today issued the following statement in reaction to the Jena Six protest in Jena, Louisiana.
“It's as Yogi Berra so famously said, 'This is like déjà vu all over again.’ Having been a student activist during the1950s and 60s, I look at today’s march in Jena, Louisiana with mixed emotions.
“My initial reaction was to join in the march, however, my responsibilities in Washington prevented my doing so. I fully support the efforts of the many students and adults who organized and participated in this peaceful demonstration. Nearly half a century since I first began marching, I am deeply moved that these acts of civil disobedience remain so necessary.
“The case of the Jena Six illustrates that race still matters. Racial tensions did not abate with desegregation. Inequitable treatment did not evaporate with the end of legalized institutional discrimination. Our systems of government cannot legislate tolerance and acceptance.
“What we can do is intervene when travesties of justice occur. In this instance, the disparate treatment of the white perpetrators versus their black counterparts begs the question, has justice been served? I add my voice to the deafening call to revisit this case. If we as a nation allow this injustice to stand, we have failed in our efforts to adhere to the mantra of ‘equal justice under law.’” |
