Minnesota AFL-CIO calls on Bloomington City Attorney not to prosecute #BlackLivesMatter Activists

Today, the Minnesota AFL-CIO Executive Board passed a resolution calling on Bloomington City Attorney Sandra Johnson to not prosecute the 11 #BlackLivesMatter members who were peacefully protesting at the Mall of America on December 20, 2014. Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:

“Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of social change in our democracy. From the Labor movement, to the Women’s movement, and the Civil Rights movement; major change in this country has always included peaceful demonstrations.

The #BlackLivesMatter movement is pointing out the structural racial inequalities that persist in our society. Much like other social movements, #BlackLivesMatter is engaging in non-violent protest to help point out these inequalities.

By prosecuting protest organizers, local authorities are sending a message that a minor inconvenience trumps the right to peacefully assemble. Minnesota’s Labor movement is urging Sandra Johnson to correct this wrong by choosing not to prosecute these peaceful activists.”