I ordinarily don't do this-- there are just so many examples of injustice in the world that I don't like to focus on any one in particular-- but I think this case is extraordinary in its gravity and its scope.The 'Jena Six' are a group of six black high school students from Jena, Louisiana, who have been charged with attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They were arrested and charged after assaulting Justin Barker, a white student, who was "taunting them with racial slurs" and voicing his approval of nooses that had previously been hung in a tree outside their school.
Bail for each of the Six was set at $70,000 to $138,000 and at least one of them is facing up to 100 years in prison. This incident taken by itself and without broader context is certainly punishable, but the punishment is, by any reasonable standard, quite extreme.
The real story, however, lies in events leading up to and surrounding the assault of Barker. Democracy Now's coverage has been exceptional, and there is also an online petition on behalf of the Six, as well as a website dedicated to their plight that features a concise timeline of events.
Read their story, spread it around, and sign the petition.
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