[Antiracism] THURS: Jason's Pre-Trial Hearing -- Meet at 1:45 in courthouse + Carpool Info

[Mishy Leiblum]

Reminder!

Jason Vassell's court date is TOMORROW -- Thursday 7/24/08 -- at 2pm at the Hampshire Superior Court (15 Gothic Street, Northampton MA).

PLEASE ARRIVE BY 1:45pm IN APPROPRIATE COURT ATTIRE. 

The weather forecast predicts rain, so please meet INSIDE THE COURTHOUSE, in the lobby. Look for people with "Justice for Jason" t-shirts, who will direct you where you need to be.

CARPOOL FROM BOSTON: Meet at 11am at Saint Stephens (next to Symphony Hall, right off Mass Ave). Email justiceforjason at gmail.com to reserve a seat. 
Last minute questions? Call Jasmin at 857.919.2313

CARPOOL FROM AMHERST: Meet at 1pm at the parking lot in downtown Amherst, across from Pasta y Basta and next to the Amherst Town Hall. 
Last minute questions? Call Malcolm at 718.666.6872

Any other questions? Call Mishy at 413.695.4868
See below for a message from Prof Dan Clawson...

---- Original Message -----
From: Dan Clawson
To: Dan Clawson
Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2008 11:35 AM
Subject: lock up VICTIMS of racial assault??

 
I don't think I've ever gone to court to show support for a defendant, but here's why I'm doing so this Thursday at 2:00 p.m. (to Hampshire Superior Court, 15 Gothic Street, Northampton):
 
Jason Vassell, a black UMass student, never been in any trouble with the law (not easy for a young black man), seen by his professors as about the last person you'd expect to be in trouble, was in his dorm room on February 3 when two young white men – NOT university students and not people he'd ever met – appeared at his window and yelled racial epithets and threats of violence.  Then they kicked in his window.  Then they got into the dorm building and attacked him in the vestibule of the dorm, breaking his nose and causing a serious concussion.  Under attack, Jason used a pocketknife and wounded his attackers. 
 
Jason is now on trial for two charges that could result in 30 years in prison.  His life will potentially be destroyed because he was subjected to a racial attack (while in his own dorm – not out somewhere problematic).  It seems straight out of Kafka that this can happen at UMass and in the Pioneer Valley.  The defense team believes a show of support from the community can make a difference. 
 
My guess is that everyone receiving this message believes in racial justice.  Now is the time to show our support.  Defending yourself against a racial assault should not lead to prison time, much less 30 years of it.  The District Attorney's behavior is, shall we say, peculiar.
 
For more information about the case, please go to www.justiceforjason.org
 
It would be great if you could let me know if you are coming, and of course I'm glad to try to answer any questions.
 
Dan
 
P.S.  Please pass this message on to others and encourage them to come.