Trayvon’s Law
Cross-posted from NAACP
In light of the tragic death of Trayvon Martin and the overwhelming national awareness around numerous issues surrounding this case, the NAACP has developed a set of policy principles called “Trayvon’s Law” which embody legislative responses that will greatly reduce the likelihood of another tragedy like the killing of Trayvon Martin. The principles of Trayvon’s Law are:
- Ending racial profiling;
- Repealing stand your ground type laws;
- Creating law enforcement accountability through effective police oversight;
- Improving training and best practices for community watch groups; and
- Mandating law enforcement data collection on homicide cases involving people of color.
In addition, state advocates can include policies that aim to dismantle the school to prison pipeline – which are critical to keeping youth safe and in schools.
Click here for full the description of Trayvon’s Law.
NAACP President & CEO, Benjamin Todd Jealous, hopes this law will ignite a network of nationwide advocates:
"The killing of Trayvon Martin is a heartbreaking tragedy, but his death is must not be in vain. Trayvon's Law will serve as the foundation for community advocates as they work to remove laws that contributed to his death and create new laws that with prevent future tragedies."
Dr. Niaz Kasravi, NAACP Criminal Justice Director, says the law can build safer communities and end unfair practices:
“Trayvon’s Law provides a framework for activists to affect critical change in their states. If we can end practices like racial profiling and remove misguided ‘stand your ground’ laws from the books, we will make all community members safer.”
In Florida, the NAACP Florida State Conference and the Dream Defenders will advocate for their state to adopt Trayvon's Law immediately. Their work could lead to the end to the “dangerous stand your ground” law that played a role in the acquittal of George Zimmerman for following, approaching, and killing unarmed 17-year old Trayvon Martin 16 months ago.
Adora Obi Nweze, NAACP Florida State Conference President, is working to get Trayvon's Law at the forefornt of Florida's legislative agenda:
“We will not rest until Trayvon’s Law is fully implemented in our state. From a civilian oversight board of police to best practices for community watch volunteers, we will demand that the Governor and our legislators move quickly to adopt these principles before we are faced with another tragedy.”
