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Contributed commentary from Jimmie M. Garland, president of the Clarksville NAACP:
The Clarksville Branch of the NAACP #5582 opposes the establishment of the local juvenile detention center within the vicinity of Clarksville-Montgomery County, Tennessee. Our objection stems from the following observations:
- We believe the facility will be used to house mainly children of color.
- Studies have shown that such facilities are designed to serve as an incubator for cultivating a school-to-prison pipeline.
- With the apparent browning of America, the Branch further believes that those who are advocating for the facility are not advocating for improving the lives of children who have made bad choices.
- Studies have also shown that 59% of current juvenile detention participants within the Clarksville-Montgomery County area are Black or brown.
- Finally, there is no real discussion or agenda focusing on transformative racial justice and equality.
For the foregoing reasons, the Clarksville Branch of the NAACP #5582 strongly opposes the proposed juvenile detention/resource center as proposed. We strongly suggest that the local facility committee relook at their proposal and bring up a plan before the local community that will create a climate of inclusion and compassion for the youth of this community.
Jimmie Garland