Justice from Bridgewater Township Does Not End with Monetary Settlements
Bridgewater Township, New Jersey – Over two years ago, the world reacted in horror and disgust as details emerged about the actions of two officers from the Bridgewater Township Police Department. Caught on video, 1 these officers made a split second-yet conscious decision-to split up a fight by arresting and physically kneeling upon Z’kye Husain, a Black minor, while the white-presenting teenager was left comfortably to watch Z’kye’s arrest. Whether the differential treatment was the result of implicit bias or conscious racism, the effect on Z’kyc and the wider Black community is the same-differential treatment based on race and a burning lesson in inferiority.
This incident serves as a blatant reminder of the disturbing reality with which young Black men arc all too familiar with-being unjustly presumed as criminals and aggressors by law enforcement. This prejudiced assumption has far-reaching consequences and further perpetuates a cycle of mistrust and fear within our communities. Racial bias exacerbates tension between law enforcement and the communities they arc sworn to protect. This is unacceptable. What happened to Z’Kye highlights the continued, urgent need for a comprehensive examination of the racial biases that persist in law enforcement and the long-lasting impacts that such incidents have on the mental welfare of Black children in this community. Detaining a minor under such circumstances leaves scars on a child’s innocence, creating wounds that may never fully heal. Equally distressing is the profound emotional tol I on the other chi ldrcn who witnessed the incident, both physically and virtually, as they are forced to learn the harsh reality of such blatant bias within our system of policing.
We implore law enforcement officers throughout the State of New Jersey to participate in implicit bias training as an initial step towards addressing these hidden biases. Our call, though, extends beyond training-we demand structural changes. All individuals, irrespective of race and ethnicity, deserve and are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity by those who have sworn to protect all. Once again, we ask the question: How long are we going to keep having this conversation? It is past due for decisive and meaningful action to finally break the cycle of racial bias in law enforcement and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.
This is a call for transparency, accountability, and a recommitment to the true principles of law enforcement. While we are pleased to announce the Husain family has reached a monetary settlement with Bridgewater Township over their nakedly anti-Black actions. This settlement, however, does not end the Husain family or the wider c01mnunity’s pursuit of justice and accountability from Bridgewater Township. That pursuit is far from over. We invite members of the media and public to join NAACP New Jersey State Conference, Ben Crump Law, and Zeff Law Firm at the upcoming press conference this Thursday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church where next steps will be further detailed. We can no longer let the cycle of fear, mistrust, and injustice permeate through our c01mnunities. We urge law enforcement agencies to eliminate these biases, promote transparency, and rebuild the essential trust between officers and the people they are sworn to protect. Justice demands no other course of action.
Contact:
Richelle Lee, Chair
Communications, Press and Publicity
info@naacpnjsc.org
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