Hundreds of U-M students plan march in protest of Trayvon Martin shooting and Michigan law
Student organizers are trying to mobilize more than 500 hoodie-wearing students to march across the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus Tuesday evening to pay tribute to Trayvon Martin and rally to repeal Michigan's "Stand Your Ground" law.
Trayvon Martin
Photo courtesy of Martin Family
"There's a general feeling of frustration and helplessness" on campus, said U-M junior history major Yonah Lieberman, who is helping organize the march. "This march is a way to say we are taking a stand, we are doing something. We are just just going to wallow in the sadness that we have, we are going to take a stand for justice."
Seventeen-year-old Martin was shot to death by neighborhood watch patroller George Zimmerman in Florida in late February. Zimmerman claims he shot Martin, an African American wearing a hoodie in a gated community, because he was acting suspiciously and confronted Zimmerman after the watchman began following him.
Police originally said Zimmerman was protected under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, which allows individuals to use fatal self defense when they feel they are being threatened, although Zimmerman's case has received a litany of media scrutiny and is now being reviewed by prosecutors.
The case has led to a national conversation on racism and whether self-defense laws encourage racial profiling.
That's exactly how protest organizer and third-year political science doctoral student Vanessa Cruz feels.
Patrick Parkinson, U-M junior, stuck a sign to his chest before attending a rally on the Diag last month.
A crowd of U-M students gathered on the Diag March 26 to show support for Martin.
Cruz and hundreds of other U-M students now say they want to repeal Michigan's own "Stand Your Ground" law. The protest "gives students a way to funnel some of their energy and symbolic solidarity over the loss of Trayvon and other people who have lost their lives due to racial profiling," Cruz said.
Added Lieberman: "People have definitely noticed this case. People who frankly don't know that much about modern-day racism even recognize that this is wrong."
In addition to a U-M turnout, Cruz expects students from Washtenaw Community College, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University and Ohio State University to turn out for today's march.
Students will be marching down State Street and South University Avenue starting at 6 p.m. today. The march will be followed by an 8 p.m. candlelight vigil for Martin on the Diag.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
Sandra Samons
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:20 p.m.
I wish someone would explain why George Zimmerman is being viewed as the person who "stood his ground." From all reports, Mr. Zimmerman followed Trayvon Martin, who continued to go on about his business until he felt sufficiently threatened that he turned and was the one who stood his ground. So I am confused as to why Trayvon is not being viewed as the person who stood his ground. I don't mean to defend the stand your ground law, but since it is the current law, why is it being used against Trayvon and not the other way around?
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:29 p.m.
From ALL reports? Are you sure?
bobslowson
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:01 p.m.
Yes...let's let a trial decide...problem is...Where is George Zimmerman? http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57412307/where-is-george-zimmerman/ Can you say FLIGHT RISK!!
lumberg48108
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.
Style question for annarbor.com --- is it UM or U-M? In abck to back stories the headlines go both ways ... confusing 1.) On Stages: 'Chicago' at UM, 'Guys and Dolls' at EMU 2.) Report to examine tuition at U-M for non-citizens
Bcar
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.
darn. Wish Id have known about this yesterday. would have been a good time to try open carry to speak up for our RIGHT TO DEFEND OURSELVES. Gun Control: The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own pantyhose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound...
Dcam
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 10:58 a.m.
If this is about justice and against racism, why is it that the Iraqi women violently beat to death in San Diego isn't included this time? When UM students rallied for Justice for Trayvon(tm) and against racism a couple of weeks ago, she was - with CAIR orchestrating. Could it be that new facts came to light, and it's now more likely a domestic dispute and Islamic customs rather than racism that lead to her beating death? Children will chase will-'o-the-wisps for any cause, no matter how disingenuous the motives or flimsy the cause.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.
Students with brains that are still forming have been convinced that racism can only be white-on-black, and that every time anything happens between a white person and a black person, racism is always the reason.
FormerMichRes
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 9:46 a.m.
I have to agree with a number of the commenters: quit running the photo of Martin when he was 12 years old. Even the Orlando Sentinel has stopped that. It's merely inflammatory. The commenters should be sending emails to AnnArbor.com management about continuing to condone this. Also, I've made this point before and I'll make it again. People are demonstrating for the wrong reasons. This is just another sad case of two young minority guys who could not solve a problem without resorting to violence. All too often someone gets killed. This is a daily occurence in larger urban areas. Detroit is a great example. The protesters should be protesting against poor parenting, single parent households, hiphop culture, etc. -- the root causes of much of the violence we see in U.S. cities.
GradUM
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 6:51 a.m.
At no point did anyone try to claim that Michigan's syg law is the same as Florida's. Instead we quoted directly from the Michigan law, which especially troubles us because it removes someone's legal right to retreat from situations where they feel threatened. Also, our detailed press release and speeches highlighted the importance of realizing that the enemy is not one particular race. For instance, we realize the victims might be black, Latino, white or Asian and the suspect might be white, black, Latino or Asian. We talked about the focus not being placed on the race of the suspect, but more so on the unfortunate ambiguities that stand your ground laws leave room for. As such, reckless homicides increase and our judicial system allows dangerous vigilantes to roam our streets freely. Finally, if you had been there, you would have seen that this event was not solely based on Trayvon Martin's case. It was about those who have been killed in recent weeks (and decades), while they were not causing any harm. Their only mistake was to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In each of the 20+ states with stand your ground laws, homicide rates involving people of color have increased since these laws were passed. Recently this week, 5 black people were killed in a killing spree in Tulsa and a Latino man was killed in Phoenix for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Where was their right to self-defense? The next time you defend a law with blind faith, do your research instead. Admit there are flaws in stand your ground laws and make sure that you and your local courts are not protecting someone for pursuit and confrontation. Do not protect vigilante behavior.
Rabid Wolverine
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
At no point did anyone try to claim that Michigan's syg law is the same as Florida's. Instead we quoted directly from the Michigan law, which especially troubles us because it removes someone's legal right to retreat from situations where they feel threatened. --------- Apparently, you have not read Michigan's law well enough. It does not take away their legal right to retreat. It enables them to defend themselves where they stand and not have to be forced to attempt to flee from an attacker. It gives the victim options on how to defend themselves and their loved ones. It is always suggested that given a confrontation that you attempt to flee as not doing so can cause you to be in precarious circumstances like what is happening with GZ. Anyone who has their CPL understands these risks of standing your ground to defend youself versus having to flee if possible. It still appears that you and many others do not.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 6:03 a.m.
Oh dear Lord: what abominable thinking!! Repeal the "Stand your ground" law??!! What is it about some people that they combine a (possibly) worthwhile protest with absurdly reductionist thinking? ONE (possible / alleged) misuse of this provision IN ANOTHER STATE provokes a call to eliminate one of the ONLY hopes of surviving an attack?? Students: you've got a lot of studying to do about self defense tactics to do before you can speak for the rest of us. Just to enforce the point: there's NO PROOF yet of a misuse of the right to stand one's ground or to defend oneself from an attacker who may have superior force. At least wait until Zimmerman (the alleged murderer) is tried to find out if there's any basis for such a drastic and ill conceived restoration of the You Must Run Doctrine. I'm 67: I have bad knees and emphysema: I'd be prosecuted because I CAN'T RUN. There're LOTS of people who have similar limits on running: we won't stand still while over-eager, emotion-driven youths dictate that we should die trying to run from an attacker.
eagleman
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:16 a.m.
There is so much wrong with this case. Martin was an innocent here. There is no evidence to suggest that he was in the act of committing a crime and Zimmerman had no right to stop and question him. Zimmerman in all likelihood had no intention of killing Martin, but rather to harass the kid. Martin reacted as would anyone in his situation--angrily. Zimmerman committed manslaughter and he ought to be sentenced as such. I do, however, find repulsive the self-righteous and narrow-minded protests by groups throughout this country. One need only look at the FBI crime's statistics to see that the true threat to people who "look like Obama" are other men who look like Obama. Where, then, are the candle light vigils? Approximately 5500 black men died in the US as the result of an act of violence in the year 2010.(source: FBI.gov) That roughy equals all the people killed in our two wars since the start of operations in November 2001. That is one year from one segment of our population. If that is not protest worthy then I don't know what is.
shepard145
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:47 a.m.
Truth hurts eh? What about his point? ....or does he need to witness thousands of murders to site commonly accepted FBI statistics. ...but sure, stick to your narrative at all cost and despite the facts like a good democrat operative.
Mike
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:31 a.m.
There is so much wrong with this comment. You have no idea what happened that night, and neither does the rest of the country.
Davidian
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.
Self-defense has nothing to do with racism. This is political pandering at its absolute worst.
Mike
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:26 a.m.
If you require proof for such a basic, obvious claim regarding our society, you should go read a few history books.
Greggy_D
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:04 a.m.
Explain and prove that, Mike.
Mike
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:32 a.m.
I wouldn't go quite this far. Clearly a reasonableness requirement in self-defense law is going to be heavily biased against blacks. That's not an indictment of the law necessarily, but it is certainly a problem.
Raggety Andy
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1 a.m.
A more civilized society would not allow gun ownership in the manner ours does. The second amendment, although an 18th century liberty, is a 21st century disaster. Without our outdated and ignorant notion of freedom this young man, and thousands of others, would be alive today. We no longer live in colonial New England. Restrict the ability to own tools of violence.
shepard145
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:21 a.m.
Your anti self defense argument and all others like it falls apart with the reality that THE CRIMINALS who kill innocent people with guns DO NOT follow the rules when acquiring fire arms. Killers rarely fuss too much over the paperwork liberals think could prevent violence. LOL ...ask the Mexicans how that is working out and if the drug cartels are keeping their gun permits up to date to avoid potential fines as they fire high power rounds into some police officer. Leftists have all the answers until they're the ones screaming for help!! LOL
Greggy_D
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:02 a.m.
You are more than welcome to move back to England, where their government shares your beliefs. And pray tell, let us know how that gun ban is working out for them.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:34 a.m.
This is a perfect example of the left's hatred for people defending themselves. Self-defense goes against the doctrine of total reliance upon the government and is a big threat to statists.
Davidian
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:20 a.m.
If the government attempts to take away guns from the citizens, there will be a civil war...and guess which side will have the weapons? It's a pipe dream, it will never happen, get over it.
Mike
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:56 a.m.
As a U of M Law student, I find this rally to be ridiculous. Why is it so hard for people not to rush to premature conclusions. This is a complete insult to due process of law, and it fails to realize that the Michigan "stand your ground" law wouldn't even apply had this case happened in Michigan. Accepting Zimmerman's facts, he would have had a common-law self-defense claim regardless. Accepting Martin's facts, Zimmerman would be guilty even under the stand your ground law as an initial aggressor threatening deadly force (and thus unable to claim even imperfect self defense).
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.
"Law students across the country have rallied" The key word here is "students," not "law." The ignorance of youth.
GradUM
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 7:18 a.m.
michigandaily.com/blog/students-protest-florida-teenagers-death. Law students across the country have rallied. You should have been there last night to truly know the focus of the evening's conversations.
Greggy_D
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.
Can we please stop paying attention to college students and their misguided efforts? I also thought I knew everything when I was 18-22 years old. Turns out I was dead wrong.
mun
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:07 a.m.
On the subject of "knowing," do you know where George Zimmerman is? If so, please tell his lawyers. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/george-zimmerman-attorney-hold-press-conference-4-30pm-203437097.html
jcj
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:37 a.m.
Too bad all these "educated" students don't wait until the facts are out BEFORE jumping on the bandwagon! I do not know what the facts are and neither do these uninformed sheep! I will say there was no good reason I know of for Zimmerman to approach Martin. (if in fact that's what happened)
jcj
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
I am not only waiting for the facts. I am waiting for a photo of a 17 year old not a 14 year old!
jcj
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:44 p.m.
Elise Give ME a break! If what he looks like should have no bearing ( and I agree it shouldn't) then why not show an honest photo of what he looks like? Instead of a 3-4 year old photo? If they were showing a photo of Zimmerman on his way into church 3-4 years ago, YOU and a million others would be crying foul! Don't be a hypocrite!
Bababooey
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:42 a.m.
Here ya go....is it what you hoped for? http://www.lsnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/C54R_TrayvonMartin1.jpg
genetracy
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:23 a.m.
While they are at it, why don't they also protest the doll found in the tree in Burns Park? Heck, people in A2 got just about as worked up over that incident as the did the Trayvon shooting.
Mike
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
I've never seen so many conclusions from so few concrete facts, and that goes for both sides.
mun
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
Apparently, George Zimmerman's lawyers have quit on him. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/george-zimmerman-attorney-hold-press-conference-4-30pm-203437097.html
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
justcurious is right. It's like when you say you're dumping your girlfriend because she hasn't returned your calls for two weeks. The reality is she dumped you two weeks ago.
justcurious
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:24 a.m.
He quit on them. They haven't heard from him or been able to get ahold of him for days. What's up with that?
shepard145
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 11:53 p.m.
What are they protesting? Was Martin right to attack Zimmerman when he realized he was being watched? What happened next? Does UM support lynching Hispanics? What is UM going to do about the naive ignorance so common among their students today? The most pampered kids in the history of higher education run around like chickens looking for a "cause", whether they understand it or not while supporting the worst president in a century. Go do your homework!!
shepard145
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:44 a.m.
You might consider another major - something that embraces irrational emotion, light on reality, considers corrupt major news networks "information", few facts necessary for conclusions and heavy on self serving indignation. ....maybe the UM journalism school is a better place for you!!
Mike
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:32 a.m.
Oh so you were there the night Martin was killed? You should really talk to the detectives then.
Rabid Wolverine
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 11:52 p.m.
I bet not a single student wanting to repeal the current Michigan castle doctrine have read the law or have their CPL. If they did either they might be a bit too informed to believe the propaganda that is being spewed from the mouths of the ignorant.
GradUM
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 7:21 a.m.
We actually did read it and did research on other syg laws across the country. Thanks!!
Salem_Resident
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 11:51 p.m.
When is the media going to stop showing an outdated picture of a much younger kid?!?! He was 6' tall with a gold grill in his mouth and tattoos NOT the cherubic kid in this picture.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:50 p.m.
"Trayvon was murdered while walking home from the store." Speculation. "He bought some skittels and a can of ice tea and it cost him his life" Speculation. "Zimmerman got out of his car and followed him and shot Trayvin Martin." Speculation. "Stereotyping people by how they look is a big problem." I agree. Stop doing it.
Mike
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:33 a.m.
What does the gold grill have to do with anything?
shepard145
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
Does AA dot com hate the way Martin looked today?? Why the need to keep throwing up 3-4 year old photos showing him a child rather then the 6'-2" excellent athlete he was the day he was beating Zimmerman? Is AA dot com ashamed how he looked in 2012 or trying to portray him as younger and more innocent? Is this your version of the network hacks editing the recordings to make Zimmerman look like a racist? Who decides what agendas AA dot com reporters are allowed to weave into these pieces?
Goober
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
I see a new trend here. Let's try all cases by the information published or provided by our Internet, TV and newspaper personnel. I am sure that these collection of facts will allow us to do a better job than our legal system.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
And the Justice Brothers. They know all. We should just rely on their opinion instead of the legal system.
G. Orwell
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
Trayvon Martin, an innocent teen or a gangster? Since AA.com and the MSMs will only show the innocent looking photoS of Martin, here are other photos of Him. All media should be objective and show all sides. That would be good journalism. I am not purposely trying to put Martin in a bad light. I am trying to balance what the media is twisting. http://www.chicagonewsreport.com/2012/03/trayvon-martin-good-teen-or-gangbanger.html?m=1
G. Orwell
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 9:57 p.m.
Dear naive students: What happened was very tragic but the facts show that George Zimmerman did not do anything illegal or malicious. There is also a witness to the shooting confirming Zimmerman's claims. That is why the police did not arrest or charge Zimmerman. Furthermore, there was absolutely no evidence this was racially motivated as the media wants you to think. Case closed. Don't let them fool you. The politicians and the media want to divide us.
G. Orwell
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
@Stuart Your claims are based on media reports. Which you should not trust since it is very bias. Even if Zimmrman was partially at fault, again, there is no evidence he shot Martin for racial reasons. The politicians and the media is hyping this way out of proportion to start some type of a race war. Don't fall for it.
Mike
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:25 a.m.
Actually, you have no idea if Zimmerman did something illegal, because you don't know the facts. Or were you there?
yourdad
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:07 a.m.
Can anyone explain to me why a Puerto Rican man shot an African American teen and the common white man is getting blamed for being racist?
kraiford12
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
There will always be incidents in which laws/rules/policies are inappropriately applied. This DOES NOT mean we should remove a concept based on the simple and human RIGHT to defend oneself. Unfortunately, with the Trayvon Martin case there are too many unknowns. I am not for or against either party in this situation. I am choosing to make an education assumption of: "Well, I just have not heard enough evidence either way to come to a logical conclusion." There are many factors in this story (from both sides) that are interesting, but breaking that down is not the point here. The point is I have the right to defend myself and my property given I'm in a placed that I'm allowed to be. Public, home, school, running, biking, eating, shopping, strolling, walking my dog, etc... Do I wish there was an absolute way to guarantee with 100% certainty various prerequisites are met before someone is allowed to taken "deadly action" to stop a threat? You bet. This is not the case however, and our courts rule on the side of caution when it comes to taking away someone's freedoms (right or wrong). Justice is not perfect, it is not absolute. I should never have the "Right" to defend myself and those I love taken away from me... No person should.
Sam Smith
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 9:42 a.m.
Did Trayvon have this right to defend himself?
Wehrwolf
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.
I wonder how much "outcry" there would be if the mainstream media had used the following photos of the Zimmerman and Martin instead of the respective mugshot and innocent-looking prepubescent teen photos.. http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/538524_360401367331782_100000857657622_977778_276039681_n.jpg
jcj
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
I suspect A2.com cut the link intentionally!
kraiford12
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
Link is cut off, but I see where you're going with this. I agree. You would think media would share recent photos or people involved in the incident.
Terry Star21
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
Would rather see them marching for Zimmerman's rights....protecting his body and life from a thug beatdown......
mun
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
@cinnabar7071, my point is show proof that George Zimmerman was in fact beat down. Show proof of his injuries. If the Sanford PD is so certain that it was self defense, where are the photos showing proof of his injuries. Again, SHOW PROOF.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 11:34 a.m.
Mun I've seen rape victims look better the zimmerman, whats your point. I've seen loosing UFC fighter look better then zimmerman, again what is your point.
mun
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:18 a.m.
"....protecting his body and life from a thug beatdown......" For a victim of a thug beatdown, George looks like he's in picture perfect health. No blood on his face. No bandages. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc0fQhGDxRo
Ulysses Wong
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.
Also AA.com, I dare you to post a more recent picture of the decedent. Not one from when he was 12 or so.
kraiford12
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 9:49 p.m.
^^
Ulysses Wong
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
"There's a general feeling of frustration and helplessness" on campus, said U-M junior history major Yonah Lieberman, who is helping organize the march. "This march is a way to say we are taking a stand, we are doing something. We are just just going to wallow in the sadness that we have, we are going to take a stand for justice." Unfortunately what this rally actually shows is a complete lack of understanding of Stand your Ground Laws in general as well as ignorance of Justice, not a stand for it. Perhaps the Poli-Sci major should have consulted with the Law majors and prevented this faux-pas.
GradUM
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 7:07 a.m.
To be clear,students who organized this did all of their research, spoke with law students as well as public policy students, and at no point did we question the right to self defense. People are more upset about the one-sided and poor handling of evidence carried out by Sanford police as well as many others in similar crime scenes and investigations in other states. For those of you who cling so strongly to Zimmerman's innocence, perhaps you should seek the photographs of his beating and broken nose (no where to be found), read more about the other 5+ witnesses who heard and saw the events leading up to Trayvon being killed (don't just believe one single witness's story), look for the transcript of his 9-1-1 call where he was told to stop following Trayvon, and take a close look at the racial slurs he uses throughout this call and the 40+ calls he's placed over 9-1-1. If there were no bias in florida's system, then why didn't Florida police obtain Zimmerman's gun for evidence, why didn't they test Zimmerman for drugs, why didn't they check Trayvon's cell phone record?? All of this is standard! Finally, don't defend Florida's stand your ground law without reading it. Even Florida Rep. Dennis Baxley, who co-sponsored the bill, thinks it has to be revised because it has many flaws. In Zimmerman's case, "there is nothing that provides protection for pursuit and confrontation." Zimmerman pursued and confronted Trayvon. The one who couldn't defend himself was Trayvon. (Read the full story in People magazine from April 9,2012.) If you had been there last night, you would have heard more context than one could fit on one a2.com page.
Mike
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:37 a.m.
We law students would have had no chance against a good Poli-sci rally. The desire to shout typically isn't satisfied by rational discussion.
Mr. Ed
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.
Can anyone provide the percent of a race that is responsible for most of the crime. My perception from reading news stories/blogs in Annarbor.com is most are committed by African Americans in Washtenaw County.
GradUM
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 7:06 a.m.
Our detailed press release and speeches highlighted the importance of realizing that the enemy is not one particular race. For instance, we realize the victims might be black, Latino, white or Asian and the suspect might be white, black, Latino or Asian. We talked about the focus not being placed on the race of the suspect, but more so on the unfortunate ambiguities that stand your ground laws leave room for. As such, reckless homicides increase and our judicial system allows dangerous vigilantes to roam our streets freely. Finally, if you had been there, you would have seen that this event was not solely based on Trayvon Martin's case. It was about those who have been killed in recent weeks (and decades), while they were not causing any harm. Their only mistake was to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In each of the 20+ states with stand your ground laws, homicide rates involving people of color have increased since these laws were passed. Recently this week, 5 black people were killed in a killing spree in Tulsa and a Latino man was killed in Phoenix for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Where was their right to self-defense? The next time you defend a law with blind faith, do your research instead. Admit there are flaws in stand your ground laws and make sure that you and your local courts are not protecting someone for pursuit and confrontation. Do not protect vigilante behavior.
snoopdog
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.
" There's a general feeling of frustration and helplessness " on campus says Yonah Lieberman. About what Yonah, please do explain ? You are going to take a stand for justice, what does that mean Yonah ? 90% of young black men get killed by other black men, where is the outcry for justice for those young dead black men ? Far more whites are killed by blacks than blacks killed by whites, yet there is no outcry from the white population that justice is not or will not be served. And using a 4 year old picture of Trayvon is ridiculous A2.com, no agenda here at all eh ? Good Day
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:43 p.m.
"the one-sided and poor handling of evidence carried out by Sanford police " Yet you're completely comfortable with one-sided reporting and assumption of guilt based on one side of the story.
dr spanky
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
To the guy in the photo asking if he's next: If you attack me, punch me in the nose and bounce my head off the sidewalk then yes, you would be next. You'd think being a Michigan student you'd be able look past the biased media coverage and realize carrying a gun is for just this situation. To protect yourself from thugs.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
GradUM, you really need to try using more than one source of news, and try using some that really are news, not just biased opinion. I know one thing you liberal youth claim to have is an open mind, but yours is closed to the consideration of everything happening in this case. You have already formed an opinion on the guilt even though you have only listened to one side. If you're smart, which I am so often told U of M students are, then are you willing to continue to prove to us that you learned nothing from the Duke lacrosse case? Are you allergic to due process, do you not understand it, or do you just hate it?
Mike
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:39 a.m.
I see you've just accepted Zimmerman's factual claims as a given. Funny, that's exactly what these protesters have done for Martin.
nyrdreems
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
Guess you didn't agree with djm.
Superior Twp voter
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
How misguided. And hey, don't show us the three/four year old photo of him, show us the photo with him showing off his "grill."
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
"A young man was murdered while walking home from the store" Pure speculation and nothing more. Here's a strange idea - let's let an investigation and trial figure out what happened, not irrational, sensationalist troublemakers MSLSD and the Justice Brothers.
Sam Smith
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 9:38 a.m.
Wow and big deal-- a "grill !"
Ron Granger
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.
"to pay tribute to Trayvon Martin and rally to repeal Michigan's "Stand Your Ground" law." Supporting justice and transparency for Trayvon is a great cause that many would turn-out for. HOWEVER, I seriously question and challenge anyone who claims those present support this vague agenda to "repeal Michigan's 'Stand Your Ground' law." That is just an opportunistic attempt to spin this to a particular political agenda, and those attempting to do so should be ashamed.
Mitch
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
Sorry, do not become a victim of a bully (ie Rape or Robbery). Use the tools that the law allows and stand your ground. I am upset that they cannot read the law and understand that MI "Castle law" was modeled but not copied from FL. IT is not racism to defend yourself and family.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:23 a.m.
"Mitch, stand your ground would make sense if Zimmerman was at home and Martin was trying to enter his home." He was on public property. "Zimmerman decided that Martin "didn't belong" in that community...he decided to let Martin know he was not welcome there. Big difference" Pure speculation. You don't have any evidence of this, and the more we find out about this case, the more it becomes clear that these assumptions are likely wrong.
Mitch
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.
And you seem to belive the junk that NBC reported.
Mitch
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.
To nyrdreems, you make a large leap there. I read here that they "..want to repeal Michigan's own "Stand Your Ground" law." But they seem to have not read either nor argue what they do not like our law. I read into it just delete the law. I do agree that no one should look for trouble, as improperly reported by the media. However, it is better to be lynched by the knuckle headed mobs in the future then carried by six that night.
djm12652
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
nyrdreems....making the judgement of guilt of either party is not what we should be doing, but trying to understand what transpired after all the facts are made known.
Top Cat
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
I don't pretend to know everything that happened between Martin and Zimmerman and won't pass judgement. However there is nothing more fundamental than the right of self defense. The "Stand Your Ground" law protects that right.
Sam Smith
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 9:36 a.m.
Maybe Trayvon was standing his ground...
David Briegel
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
"ignorant and aggressive". You mean like Mr Zimmerman?
nowayjose
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.
You can claim self defense all you want but if the facts of the incident don't support that, than self defense won't matter on whether to charge or not. It's a good law and gives people the right not be a victim. There is no way this is a racist law. No law can combat ignorant or overly aggressive people.
Top Cat
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
I live in Michigan not Florida.
Mohawk
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
Do some reading -- the so called Stand Your Ground law completely backfired on Florida prosecutors....who now cannot convict murderers as long as they claim any sort of self-defense...even if they defend them self while committing a crime....Florida really is a terribly run state.
Elise Jones
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
The University of Michigan Students has a big student body and I am happy to see them march against violence and racism.
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
Instead of marching these kids should stay home and review "due process".
GradUM
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 6:59 a.m.
Thanks for your support, Elise.
walker101
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 5:02 a.m.
Who said it was a racist incident, other than the media and liberals like Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson?
mun
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.
"because more evidence points toward Martin attacking Zimmerman than the other way around" For a victim of a thug beatdown, George looks like he's in picture perfect health. No blood on his face. No bandages. Now where is your photo evidence of George being the victim? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc0fQhGDxRo
Scylding
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.
The students should march about another case/event then, because there is zero proof that any supposed racism on Zimmerman's part had anything to do with what happened. And if they are marching against violence, then perhaps they should be wearing a picture of Zimmerman, because more evidence points toward Martin attacking Zimmerman than the other way around.
motorcycleminer
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.
I thought the university was a school of " Higher " education......
eagleman
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:59 a.m.
So David Briegal, why is it the case?
David Briegel
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:59 a.m.
gee cinnabar, I wonder why that would be the case?
cinnabar7071
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
Forever I'd be more impressed if they were informed. Its one thing to get involved, but at least know what you're protesting and I havn't seen any real facts come out in this case.
Forever27
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
it really is a travesty that students are getting involved in national political debates. /s Most of the time comments on this site are upset that the students aren't getting worked up over "real" issues. this seems to be something that we should be happy for them that they want to make their voices heard.