HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLICE BRUTALITY

WHEREAS, the President's National Advisory Commission of Civil Disorders recognized police brutality as a major cause of tensions which lead to urban insurrection; and

WHEREAS, police have the responsibility to protect the human rights of all citizens and to apprehend suspected lawbreakers; and

WHEREAS, police do not have the right to act as judge, jury, and executioner:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers condemn all forms of police brutality; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers denounce as irresponsible and inhuman the actions of any public officials who have ordered police to "shoot to kill and maim" suspected lawbreakers during civil disorders.