The two grand jury decisions that failed to indict two white police officers in two incidents in two states that left two black men dead have triggered protests across the nation as well as much-needed discussions about how to curb such killings and the race factors that may contribute to them. Those conversations are essential, and the protests are understandable.
While the circumstances surrounding Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner’s death in Staten Island, New York, differed, there were sufficient similarities to draw outrage: Two unarmed black men were killed by white police officers, and two grand juries – convened by local prosecutors in each case – determined there was not enough evidence to bring charges. It is difficult to align these findings with the fact that autopsies for both men found the cause of death to be homicide. Despite their differences, the two cases have striking and gravely concerning similarities that raise troubling questions about race relations and police use of force. That protests have erupted across the country is wholly appropriate.
In Denver, hundreds of high school students have staged classroom walkouts, marching from their respective schools to the state Capitol to protest the two grand jury decisions. Students in Aurora also demonstrated the grand juries findings. The protests have been organized, civilized and poignant. The Denver students – many from Denver Public Schools campuses – have marched, sometimes with their teachers and administrators, to make a critical statement: Police violence is unacceptable, and young people – Michael Brown was 19 when he died – are absolutely correct to be concerned about its prevalence. Chanting, “Hands up! Don’t shoot!” and “I can’t breathe,” the protesters are making poignant statements about these two avoidable deaths.
The demonstrations and the grand jury decisions they are protesting suggest systemic problems both in how some law-enforcement agencies handle violence in their departments and in how violent incidents are addressed in the aftermath. On both fronts, there is room for significant improvement, and Brown’s and Garner’s deaths are prompting local, state and national reviews. Colorado lawmakers are considering a series of measures to address police violence, including mandatory use of body cameras for officers, requiring all police interviews be taped and a review of choke-hold policies, according to The Denver Post.
There also is the matter of how police violence cases are adjudicated. Because prosecutors in Colorado are tasked with bringing charges against the law-enforcement agencies they work with every day, there is a potential conflict. This was the structure in Ferguson and Staten Island, as well, and many legal and civil-rights experts are calling for a new structure in such cases.
While these measures are appropriate to consider, there are larger issues informing the culture that creates police violence and the protesters – students and others – are correct to call them to the forefront of the conversation. If there are racial components informing police behavior, that must be addressed. Doing so is neither easy nor expeditious, but calling for a change – loudly – is a critical first step.
While the students involved in the process certainly are disrupting their educational environments, they are doing so for important and admirable reasons. They are engaging in a crucial conversation that will shape their world for years to come.