The Jena Six

A year ago, in the small town of Jena, Louisiana, six black high school students were charged with attempted murder after beating a white student unconscious. The case has sparked questions about racial bias in the judicial system. Local civil rights groups objected to what they saw as a throwback to the worst kind of Deep South justice, sparking numerous demonstrations in Louisiana and all over the Nation. Through the internet, black radio shows, and all sorts of media, the word about this case has spread like fire, reaching its peak during this Thursday’s demonstrations in the town of Jena. Who would have thought that a schoolyard fight would bring about such sensitive questions about racial discrimination like this one did.
Lawyers dealing with the case say that the attention the teens have received has caused the prosecutors to reduce the charges from the outrageous attempted murder charges to aggravated assault and conspiracy. Michael Bell, one of the six teens accused, is the only one that has been detained and charged with these charges. Mr. Bell was imprisoned since the fight in December and is still being held in custody.
I believe that the justice system, the school, and parents should focus on the events leading to such a tragedy and do the best to learn from this and find a solution. Justice should serve its purpose not focusing on the color of anyone’s skin, but on the facts and the crimes committed.

Article taken form the New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/19/us/19jena.html?ref=us