With pomp and circumstance, Missouri inaugurated its 56th governor, Eric Greitens, in Jefferson City on Monday. Now with all officials sworn in after one of the most tumultuous elections ever, this week the Missouri Legislature began its efforts to dismantle the rights of Missourians.
In his speech, Greitens recognized our state's history of racial inequality and our current state of political divisiveness. He called on Missourians to work together:
"This state in the heart of America has proven that the worst in our history can be overcome by the best in our people.It was here that a slave named Dred Scott was told by the United States Supreme Court that a black man had no rights that a white man need respect—and it was a son of Missouri, a poet named Langston Hughes, who delivered the best answer to Dred Scott's unjust judges, when he said: “I, too, am America.”In that same spirit, we are all Missouri."
We, too, are America. That's why at the ACLU of Missouri, we work to protect the rights of ALL in our state.
That's also why we support the Fourth Amendment Affirmation Act, filed in the Missouri Senate this week by Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, to reduce racial disparities in policing in Missouri.
African-American drivers in Missouri are 69 percent more likely to be stopped than whites, according to a 2015 report from the Missouri attorney general's office. This unequal treatment of racial minorities while driving has been documented for more than 15 years.
The bill:
- Formally prohibits bias in policing.
- Creates accountability by requiring law enforcement to track pedestrian stops and other demographic information.
- Encourages dialogue between law enforcement and those they serve through community partnerships.
- Is an opportunity for Missouri to set the standard of equal treatment in policing.
We'll be fighting for the rights of ALL Missourians this legislative session. Just like we do every day.
Join us. Sign up for our Voices of Liberty Lobby Day happening on Tuesday, February 28, at the state Capitol.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey A. Mittman
Executive Director
ACLU of Missouri