Today was Black Lives Matter Day at Cass Tech High.
Too many times we have seen police stops lead to confrontations and tragedy for black young adults. Today law students went to work to make sure students at Cass Technical High knew both their rights and how to walk away from a police stop alive.
A team of lawyers, judges, and police trainers spoke to kids during a forum. Kids learned to empathize with police. They learned why they sometimes do what they do, and how sudden movements can be misconstrued as an act of aggression.
They then went to classes lead by Michigan State University law students. In those sessions they learned about when police can and cannot stop, search and arrest you. They also learned about their Miranda rights.
"I learned that there are some things police do have a right to do and it is okay to respect and understand that,” said Jhanae Davis, a sophomore at Cass Tech.
“What we are trying to do is give people the legal tools to deal with what is going on now,” said Gabrielle Boyer, Michigan State University Law School Student.
Students also learned how to respond to police violating their rights. Attorneys recommended they communicate respectfully when they do not wish to comply with a search or seizure and that if their rights are violated the proper time to fight the issue is not in the heat of the moment.
“Comply now. Sue later,” said Cliff Woodards, a Detroit attorney.
