Up@dawn 2.0 (blogger)

Delight Springs

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

MTSU students walked door-to-door to share details of class action lawsuit against Rutherford County

Around 200 people filed 300 claims for settlements in a class action lawsuit against Rutherford County.

Aiyana Gallant encountered a range of emotions this semester as she canvased a neighborhood off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, flyers in hand, to inform residents about the Oct. 29 deadline to join a class action lawsuit against Rutherford County.

One family told Gallant about a son who was always in front of Juvenile Court Judge Donna Scott Davenport, and believed he did not get a fair shot in the justice system.  

Some families learned about the $11 million settlement — monetary retribution for the county's history of illegally arresting and jailing minors — through media reports, but were unaware they could join the settlement.

Over time, some families shared stories; potential abuses of power by the local government, some of which date back more than three decades. Trauma that impacted a large number of people of color... (continues)

1 comment:

  1. I actually know the person that was interviewed for that article! We've been talking about how much destruction the justice system has brought to the community a lot recently and its really good to hear that there has been involvement from students on this issue! I hope to see some more where possible.

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