With the case of the Jena 6 heating up across the country, one Louisiana school district is taking steps to cool down the controversy.
The central Louisiana school district superintendent banned shirts in support of the group, citing disruptions in the school day, according to an article on BET‘s web site.
Last week at Jena High School, 9 students donned “Free the Jena 6” t-shirts. When school administration spotted the shirts, they insisted the students remove them.
John Jenkins says three of his daughters had no intent to cause conflict by wearing the shirts in support of the group.
AD LOADING...
“They weren’t doing anything other than wearing the shirts,” he said. “The school doesn’t have a dress code. They were covered. They’re trying to tell them what they can and can’t wear.”
Jenkins son, Carwin Jones is one of the six teens charged with attempted murder after the beating of a white student in December 2006.
Another of the Jena 6, Mychal Bell faces 22 years in prison after having his attempted murder charge reduced to aggravated battery. Jones and the other four teens await trial in the case.
Bell‘s sentencing date is Sept. 20, a rallying point for Jena 6 supporters. Thousands of supporters will converge at the Jena courthouse in a show of solidarity for the families and to demand justice.
AD LOADING...
For more information on the case and how to get involved, visit:
www.colorofchange.org/jena/
Article on www.democracynow.org/
