LETTER: America can’t move on when widespread inequalities still exist

As Americans, we value the idea that all of us are entitled to certain rights and protections that we are all equal under the law.

This is a myth shared by whites more than those in minority groups. The events in Jena, La., demonstrate this fact, and are sadly all too typical.

The fact of the matter is blacks are preferentially harassed by police, prosecuted for more severe offenses and sentenced to longer prison terms than whites. To suggest we should forget about this mockery of justice in the name of healing a community is outrageous, and totally against the American ideal.

This incident should serve as a catalyst for us to address this serious disparity in justice. We should all demand that the phrase “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal” be something more than mere patriotic sentiment.

Kendall Fosse

Senior

Chemical engineering