It’s no way to treat kids!

Michigan’s deadliest school shooting in history is still in the headlines, and it’s forcing us to do some serious thinking. 

Ethan Crumbley, now 17 years of age, is serving life in prison for killing four classmates at Oxford High School in November, 2021. 

The news that made headlines in recent days was that Jennifer Crumbley, 45, is now the first US parent convicted of manslaughter over a mass shooting carried out by their child. Prosecutors accused her of being negligent in allowing her son to have a gun, and ignoring warnings signs. 

I don’t have any problem with the way our justice system is treating Mrs. Crumbley. I have a problem with the way we’re treating her son. 

While Michigan legislators consider bills that would ban life sentences without the possibility of parole for children, we continue to support such a sentence when the crime is something that really makes us angry. Like the Oxford tragedy. Ethan Crumbley was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for killing four of his classmates and wounding others in the 2021 Michigan school shooting. 

Here's the deal. Brilliant minds in the field of psychiatry insist that no child is incorrigible, no matter what some cops and prosecutors insist. No matter how much we sympathize and empathize with the victims of heinous crimes. I invite you to check out the research for yourself…it’s readily available. In some cases, the amount of violence these kids have seen in their neighborhoods and right in their own homes is shocking. Many have never even had the opportunity to be a “normal” child! I’m hoping that, here in Michigan, the day will come when we can give them that second chance. 

Not only does America have a history of participating in this barbaric practice for juveniles, but as a couple of writers in the Detroit News pointed out the other day, there are serious racial overtones. For example, in our country today, 61% of these kids serving life sentences without parole are Black. And right here in Pure Michigan, 70% are Black! 

Come on! 

I’m pleased to report that the Michigan Legislature is considering bills to ban this practice, and I urge your support for SB 119-23 and HB 4160-64. These bills do not rank high on the popularity list, so those of us who care must keep pushing. 

I pray that our state’s position may soften, not only on this sad practice, but also on the practice of referring young offenders to our adult courts. We have juvenile courts for a reason.

So, my advice for today: Contact your lawmakers. Then, give your kids and your grandkids an extra hug! 

I conclude with these words from Boys Town: 

Today, more than ever, in our polarized, too-quick-to-condemn culture, we must ensure there is always room for compassion for children. The stories of children hurting others are heart-wrenching. But society must keep moving toward effective solutions that focus on treating kids like kids. As legislators and decision-makers struggle with the issue of children accused of serious crimes, they must follow the science and neuroscience research and choose redemption and rehabilitation.

Given the right care, treatment and support, no child is beyond hope.




Comments

MaryMargaret said…
Oh WOW my friend. These are words needed to be put out into the universe. Thank you for this blog. It is disheartening to see what is happening in our communities. If we spent as much time, effort and money on solving the root causes of this epidemic as we spend on what amounts to retaliation we could make a much bigger impact on making our streets, homes, businesses, places of worship and schools safe places. Keep up the good work getting the truth of what is happening in our unjust justice system out into the public forum. Shalom

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