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Dear John, Business owners understand that our economy would collapse without the rule of law. Without the ability of courts to sustain contracts, to hold people accountable for their actions, there is no free market. That is why the business community must take a leadership role in addressing systemic racism in the enforcement of our laws and stand against the unchecked authority of public officials, especially those charged with enforcing the laws. One critical defense of police who abuse their power – one which must be eliminated – is the legal protection of qualified immunity. Created by the Supreme Court in 1967, the defense often exempts police officers and others from liability, even for shocking abuses of power, including the repeated unjustified use of lethal force. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the co-founders of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, with the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and our allies, are asking you to join in eliminating this defense. If police who abuse their power cannot be held accountable, there is no “equal justice under law.” Representatives Justin Amash and Ayanna Pressley have introduced HR 7085, with 57 co-sponsors, to restore police accountability by removing the qualified immunity defense. Law enforcement officials must understand that if they abuse their power, they will face repercussions. The following letter along with all of its signatories will be sent
directly to Congress. Take action today! | |
