The Rittenhouse trial has illuminated many outrageous failures of the U.S. justice system. From the very start of the trial, Judge Bruce Schroeder has created a mockery of these proceedings and provided the perfect example of what we mean when we refer to systemic racism.

Judge Schroeder showed preferential treatment toward  Rittenhouse, while his victims, who the judge ruled could not be referred to as victims, were prejudicially referred to as looters and arsonists – when in fact they were protestors.

People have the right to protest, safely, without the risk of being physically attacked. The right’s making “attacking protestors” a trend or even an accepted tactic is terrifying and must stop. 

In another trial going on right now (for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery) we have folks arguing that they were justified in killing a Black man who was simply on their street. Young people are fighting for racial justice in this country, but there is a vast network of people committed to maintaining the racist status quo in every arena of life, from the courts to what is taught in schools. Young people are working for a time when everyone can live free from violence and fear. We must stop the radicalization of young white men that is enabled by extremist politicians and those who pander to extremists for votes. Young people are working for a time when everyone can live free from violence and fear.