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John,
The names of countless victims of police violence -- George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Sandra Bland, and too many others -- have become rallying cries for justice, underscoring the systemic issues that plague our law enforcement agencies.
Each of these individuals, and many others, have tragically lost their lives, sparking nationwide protests and calls for reform. Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the protections that often shield officers from being held accountable for their actions.
No one should be above the law, especially not the people responsible for enforcing the law.
At the heart of this crisis is the doctrine of qualified immunity, which shields government officials, including police officers, from being held personally liable for violating an individual's constitutional rights.
Qualified immunity serves as a barrier to justice for victims of police misconduct, making it nearly impossible for them to seek redress in civil courts. That’s why Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-7) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) have reintroduced the Ending Qualified Immunity Act to restore the rights of Americans to obtain relief when their legal and constitutional rights are violated by state and local officials, including police officers.
It is time for Congress to take decisive action. Demand Congress pass the Ending Qualified Immunity Act and remove this shield of protection from the police NOW.
By explicitly stating that police officers who violate these rights are not protected from civil liability, this legislation would pave the way for greater accountability and transparency in our law enforcement agencies.
Holding individuals accountable for their actions is a foundational principle of our justice system. When police officers know they can be held personally liable for misconduct, they are more likely to think twice before engaging in questionable behavior.
For too many families, the pain of losing a loved one at the hands of the police is compounded by the realization that they have little to no recourse in the courts. This law would provide a pathway for these families to seek justice and would encourage police departments to invest in better training and policies, leading to safer and more effective policing.
It’s clear that the Ending Qualified Immunity Act represents a step toward a more just and equitable society. By holding our law enforcement officers to the same standards of accountability as the rest of us, we can ensure that the rights of all Americans are protected and respected.
We must raise our voices, mobilize our communities, and demand that Congress pass the Ending Qualified Immunity Act. Please add your name now.
The time for change is here, and we cannot let this moment pass us by.
- Amanda
Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund
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