NAACP-SUPPORTED END RACIAL PROFILING ACT TO BE INTRODUCED IN HOUSE AND SENATE ON DECEMBER 13, 2007
NAACP ACTION ALERT
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THE ISSUE
The End Racial Profiling Act attacks the insidious practice of racial profiling by law enforcement on three levels: first, it creates a federal prohibition against racial profiling; second, it provides funding for the training of law enforcement officials on how to discontinue and prevent the use of racial profiling; and thirdly, it holds law enforcement officials and agencies that continue to use racial profiling accountable.
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On Thursday, December 13, 2007 Senator Russ Feingold (WI), and Congressman John Conyers (MI) are expected to introduce the "End Racial Profiling Act of 2007." We need to urge every Member of the House and Senate to sign on as an original co-sponsor of this legislation to show broad support for the bill and so it receives speedy action in the US Congress.
Numerous studies over the past few years have provided us with evidence to support what we have known for decades: law enforcement agents at all levels have consistently used race, ethnicity and national origin when choosing which individuals should be stopped, detained and searched. At the most basic level, it is difficult for our faith in the American judicial system not to be challenged when we cannot even drive down an interstate without being stopped merely because of the color of our skin. Furthermore, evidence clearly demonstrates that racial profiling is a wasteful and ineffective means of law enforcement.
We need The End Racial Profiling Act to stop this insidious practice and to help begin to restore the confidence of communities of color throughout the United States in federal, state and local law enforcement. It is supported by numerous civil rights and civil liberties organizations, as well as religious associations and most police unions of color.
In light of the overwhelming evidence that racial profiling continues to be employed today the speedy enactment of the End Racial Profiling Act is a high priority for the NAACP. To be an original co-sponsor, Members of the Senate and House should contact Senator Feingold or Congressman Conyers by Wednesday, December 12, 2007.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter!!
Numerous studies over the past few years have provided us with evidence to support what we have known for decades: law enforcement agents at all levels have consistently used race, ethnicity and national origin when choosing which individuals should be stopped, detained and searched. At the most basic level, it is difficult for our faith in the American judicial system not to be challenged when we cannot even drive down an interstate without being stopped merely because of the color of our skin. Furthermore, evidence clearly demonstrates that racial profiling is a wasteful and ineffective means of law enforcement.
We need The End Racial Profiling Act to stop this insidious practice and to help begin to restore the confidence of communities of color throughout the United States in federal, state and local law enforcement. It is supported by numerous civil rights and civil liberties organizations, as well as religious associations and most police unions of color.
In light of the overwhelming evidence that racial profiling continues to be employed today the speedy enactment of the End Racial Profiling Act is a high priority for the NAACP. To be an original co-sponsor, Members of the Senate and House should contact Senator Feingold or Congressman Conyers by Wednesday, December 12, 2007.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter!!
If you have any questions, call Hilary Shelton at the Washington Bureau at (202) 463-2940.
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