The verdict reached in the Zimmerman trial over the weekend has sparked a swell of emotion. Protesters have gathered in cities across the country, expressing their frustration with the outcome and the racial bias they feel played a role in the case. With the acquittal of George Zimmerman, some have questioned whether racial prejudice obstructs equal justice under law.
Maya Wiley, a civil rights attorney and founder and president of the Center for Social Inclusion, spoke about reaction to the verdict on All In with Chris Hayes Monday night.
“The justice system is not a just system,” she said. “And one of the most damaging [results of the verdict]—damaging to the fabric of the nation and damaging to the reform— is that we now have people saying Trayvon Martin was convicted. Not George Zimmerman was acquitted because there was not sufficient proof, but that Trayvon Martin was convicted of a crime.”
Rachel Simon
Rachel Simon is a writer and editor based in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is the author of “Pickleball for All: Everything but the ‘Kitchen’ Sink.” Her work has been published in The New York Times, Glamour, Vulture, Teen Vogue and more. You can find her at @rsimon113. Recommended
