Washington, D.C.- “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,” said Congresswoman Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“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.”