Present-day Hate Crimes

Is racism a thing of the past? Many may think so in our day in age, but a recent social issue dubbed the Jena 6 might make you think otherwise. If you haven't heard about it then you might be in for a surprise. When I first heard about it, walking through GC, a student organization, I don't know who they were, were all dressed in black, shouting to free the Jena 6, and handed me a flyer with information about this social injustice. On December 2006, in Jena, Louisiana, six blacks teens were charged with attempted second degree murder of a white teenager. It first began with a supposed "white tree" or "prep tree." A black tree had sat under the tree and the following day 3 (or 2, it is uncertain) nooses were hung from the tree. The 3 white students who were responsible for the display were suspended for 3 days. The tree was to be cut at the start of the new school year to "start free, " but many who were offended by the act felt this was not enough. No further action was taken and racial tensions grew. The District Attorney continued to do nothing when violence and attacks continued towards black students after the event. One white student, who supported the nooses, taunted blacks, and continually called them niggers, was assaulted in school by six young black teens, the Jena 6. The black teens have been charged with attempted second degree murder.
I think the black students charged with attempted murder were given a very harsh sentence, while other white students who attacked black students, taunted them, debased them, and they were not prosecuted in anyway. Several attackers at the convenience store and Fair Barn party, attacks made towards black students go almost unreprimanded. I feel this is a modern day injustice. Not that I think that beating a white teen should go without consequence but punishments should be fair and appropriate to age.
If this issue has evoked any sense of injustice within you, please take the time to sign a petition that will be sent to the Governor of Jena and the District Attorney. The Jena 6 also need finacial support for their cases and donations can be made as well.


July 31 Rally