Yes, I am horrified by this story. I want to lift up the attorneys who represented these children & families and received for them some monetary damages. But these actors are still in place along w/the system they created. So here are a few urgent actions: propublica.org/article/black-…
First the @doj must open a pattern & practice investigation & if warranted prosecution of the Murfreesboro PD & Rutherford County Juvenile Detention system. The Law Enforcement Misconduct statute authorizes DOJ action may be taken against police ofcrs, but also judges & jailers.
Second @doj should investigate whether to bring individual criminal civil rights prosecutions against Judge Donna Davenport (dating back to her time as a juvenile referee), Ofcr Chrystal Templeton and Lynn Duke. “Willfulness is their brand.” 
In case it wasn’t clear, the sheriff’s office must be included in the pattern and practice investigation.
Third, @doj should immediately terminate the U.S. Marshals’ contract with the Rutherford Juvenile Detention Center.
Does the Rutherford County or Murfreesboro justice system receive grants from @doj? If so, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act bars fed. funds to programs engaged in discrimination. The DOJ’s Sept announcement of a Title VI review is timely. Cut the grants. nytimes.com/2021/09/16/us/…
And of course the juvenile court judge is an elected position. Davenport has been in that ofc for 21 years. You have heard me say “leave no power on the table.” Vote in every election. But clearly organizing is needed as well in a county that is 70% white.
If you live in TN and yours is one of the 39 counties that contracts with the Rutherford Detention Center, contact your County Commissioners and object.
These are initial thoughts. Thank you @propublica for your necessary and important journalism. And thanks to the families of the children for fighting back and demanding accountability for your children.
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