In a time where the division between political parties only serves to further divide our struggling country, I hope you look at this petition as a humanitarian, rather than a Democratic or a Republican.

I was arrested at 19 while walking in my neighborhood by three white officers who used excessive force. The arresting officer, Amanda Mcpherson, made a statement that still haunts me two years later, “You’re just another one of THOSE BLACK COLLEGE KIDS who thinks they can get away with whatever they want!” Following my arrest, I was sent to a mental hospital by my university president, Sydnee Mcphee, in order to stop me from having a meeting on campus about police brutality. He also threatened to pull scholarships from me and expel me should I move forward with my meeting.

My arrest and time spent in the mental hospital left me severely traumatized; not to mention, I was in and out of court, racking up legal fees on top of my new found hospital bills. When I finally was able to process everything and move forward with my life, I decided to seek justice, BUT the state of Tennessee has a Statute of Limitations that is ONLY 1 year, meaning victims do not get time to heal, grieve, process, and, most importantly, educate themselves on judicial processes. My own case was in court well beyond a year. 

Let’s create a better society by increasing the statute of limitations in the State of Tennessee, and holding those who break the law accountable for their actions.