Power Coalition Condemns Supreme Court’s Support of Qualified Immunity

United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of police officers accused of using excessive force.

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BATON ROUGE, La. — Yesterday, in two unsigned decisions, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of police officers accused of using excessive force. Those decisions confirm the court’s support of qualified immunity, which can shield police from lawsuits seeking damages for misconduct.

The decisions shield officers from accountability after bringing, sometimes fatal, harm. Ashley Shelton, executive director of the Power Coalition for Equity & Justice and member of the Black Southern Women’s Collective, released the following statement:

“The Supreme Court ruling pertaining to qualified immunity is further proof that African Americans and our allies must continue to engage in the political process at all levels. That means we must be active in local, state and federal elections. We must be engaged in the redistricting process that is happening currently in states across the country, and we must also run for office at a greater degree.

“We know that there is no excuse for police violence. We also know that until the broader culture shifts to hold police accountable, more people who look like us will lose their lives at the hands of rogue cops.

“Each person who been maimed or killed by police has value. Each person who has been brutalized by someone sworn to protect and serve deserves justice.

“We will continue our fight until the pleas of those living and dead are heard.”

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