CFT reaffirms support for death-row journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal...
Detroit Federation of Teachers Passes Resolution for Mumia
Resolution Demanding a New Trial for Death Row Prisoner, Mumia Abu-Jamal
Whereas the noted African-American journalist and UAW Local 1981 (National Writers Union) member Mumia Abu-Jamal is facing execution in Pennsylvania and
Whereas serious questions have arisen as to whether Mumia received a fair trial, including eye-witnesses who admittedly lied under police pressure, the exclusion of most African-Americans from his jury, the suppression of evidence that favored the defense and the refusal by the court for Mumia to represent himself, among other issues and
Whereas Mumia’s appeal for a new trial is now before a Federal judge and has won the support of the entire Congressional Black Caucus, the Detroit City Council, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, author Alice Walker and many other noted individuals and organizations and
Whereas many labor unions, committed to social, racial and economic justice, have called for a new trial;
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Detroit Federation of Teachers goes on record supporting the call for a new trial for Mumia Abu-Jamal and urges Federal Judge Yohn to grant an evidentiary hearing in the case. Local union members are urged to help educate the public about this injustice and participate in the Martin Luther King Day rally in Detroit on January 17, 2000 and
Be It Further Resolved that this resolution be forwarded to the AFT’s International President, Federal Judge Yohn and attorney Leonard Weinglass.”
drafted by Garry Herring