ACLU Will Enter Appearance in
Thomas Jefferson High School Case
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 1996
The ACLU announced today that it will enter its appearance in the cases of four individuals who were arrested for ordinance violations after four dozen nightclub-wielding police responded to the scene of a dance on the evening of May 4 at Thomas Jefferson High School.
The Denver Police are currently conducting an internal investigation into allegations of police misconduct at the scene, including beatings with batons, unnecessary use of mace, and racial epithets directed at students. Mayor Wellington Webb ordered the special investigation after meeting in mid-May with parents and students who witnessed the scene.
About 400 mostly African-American teenagers attended the annual dance, which was sponsored by Brother-Two-Brother, a Black community service organization. About forty parents and other adults were present as chaperons.
"In light of the very serious allegations of police misconduct, the City should simply dismiss these minor charges," said Mark Silverstein, Legal Director of the ACLU. "But if the City insists on prosecuting, a vigorous defense will be necessary to ensure that the full story of what happened comes out."
The incident apparently began when an isolated one-on-one fight erupted at the far edge of the school's parking lot as the dance was breaking up about 11 p.m. An off-duty officer serving as security for the dance called for backup. At least forty to fifty Denver police responded to the call, reportedly emerging from their squad cars with billy clubs in hand.
Denver attorney David Lane, acting as an ACLU cooperating attorney, will defend two adults and two juveniles who were charged with interference, resistance, and trespass. The defendants include a father and his 17-year-old son.
"Numerous witnesses report that police verbally abused the son, grabbed him by the neck, and began beating him with batons," Lane explained. "The officers reportedly threw him to the ground and continued to hit him. His father was present as a chaperon. He rushed over and tried to cover his son's body with his own. Police pulled the father off, handcuffed him, and then handcuffed his son. Witnesses say that police continued to beat the son even after he was handcuffed."
According to Silverstein, the ACLU's concern is not limited to the handful of individuals who were arrested for allegedly violating Denver city ordinances.
"Numerous additional students report that they were struck by billy clubs and targeted with racial slurs," Silverstein said. "What is especially disturbing is the number of witnesses who report that some officers celebrated their actions by slapping hands and giving each other 'high-fives.' Such an action suggests that officers enjoyed their actions, that they were exuberant, and that they did not believe that they would ever be held accountable."
Silverstein said that he and ACLU executive director Jim Joy have met with Police Chief David Michaud and Public Safety Director Butch Montoya to encourage a thorough investigation and substantial discipline for any officers found guilty of misconduct.
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