Stand Against Racism and Help Stop Racial Profiling
YWCA-MC’s mission to end racism reached a significant milestone by getting justice for George Floyd
We can no longer argue that the use of force was justified giving the fight for social justice its first win. The “win” was justice, but it does not bring him back. The Floyd family still lost a loved one due to systemic racism.
Systemic Racism as Racial Profiling
Racial profiling is defined as law enforcement officials practicing the discriminatory practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of a crime based on the individual’s race, ethnicity, and religion. Examples of racial profiling is the use of race to determine which drivers to stop for minor traffic violations or the use of race to determine which pedestrians to stop and frisk.
Racial profiling by law enforcement has been coming to light on a daily basis thanks to the wide use of cell phones to record interactions. Since recording has become common practice, we see how widespread profiling is. Through video, we can see how this practice leads to deadly consequences, as with the Elijah McClain case. People of color are at risk with every police interaction due to systemic racism, which translates to racial profiling. We must continue to hold law enforcement accountable for racial profiling to continue changing the justice system. And we are making progress.
ACLU’s Mobile App Contribution
The ACLU has created a Mobile Justice app to record police interaction. This mobile app is safer to use than just your cell phone video as it uploads your video to the ACLU. Should your phone be broken or confiscated during the interaction, there is a backup with the ACLU.
There are three main functions of the mobile app:
Records video and audio documentation of interactions with law enforcement
It will report an incident directly to the ACLU
The App keeps users aware of their rights through an easy-to-navigate menu
It’s as simple as downloading the app setting up your information with access to microphone and video.
Racial Profiling Community Checklist
YWCA USA has put together a Racial Profiling Community checklist to understand whether law enforcement in your community is racially profiling. And it depends; not all communities are afflicted with racist police officers. To thoroughly understand policing in your community, we suggest using this checklist. We encourage evaluation of your community law enforcement to continue progress forward.
We consider racism a public health crisis as it affects both mental and physical health for all people of color. Please consider joining our Stand Against Racism events to have your voice heard. Stay safe by downloading the ACLU App!
YWCA-MC is a non profit dependent on donations. If you would like to support our organization, please consider donating online.
