Mothers Against Police Brutality Applauds Reintroduction of the Ending Qualified Immunity Act
23 May 2025
Mothers Against Police Brutality Applauds Reintroduction of the Ending Qualified Immunity Act
| “Justice for Our Children DemandsThat No One Be Above the Law.” |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 23, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Alli McCracken, Mothers Against Police Brutality, Inc.
alli@mapbdallas.com | 860.575.5692
| Mothers Against Police Brutality, Inc. (MAPB), a global organization founded by a Mother whose son was killed by police in Dallas, Texas, is proud to stand in strong support of the reintroduction of the Ending Qualified Immunity Act, legislation that seeks to restore the ability of individuals to seek justice when their constitutional rights are violated by law enforcement officers. “For too long, qualified immunity has denied families justice and allowed police officers to act with impunity, causing irreparable damage to thousands of families,” said Collette Flanagan, founder and executive director of MAPB. “Mothers Against Police Brutality, Inc. urges Congress to pass the Ending Qualified Immunity Act without delay — our communities cannot heal without real accountability.” The Ending Qualified Immunity Act, originally introduced in 2020, would eliminate the legal doctrine of qualified immunity — a judge-made rule that too often prevents victims of police violence from holding officers accountable for violating their constitutional rights. The bill was reintroduced today by lawmakers who are committed to police accountability and civil rights. The bill is spearheaded by the offices of Representative Ayanna Pressley and Senator Markey. Qualified immunity has become a nearly insurmountable legal shield for law enforcement officers, even in cases involving blatant abuses of power. Under the current system, victims of excessive force and their families frequently find that civil lawsuits are dismissed – not because the officers did not violate their rights, but because there was no “clearly established” precedent involving nearly identical facts. MAPB argues that this legal standard denies victims their constitutional right to seek redress and perpetuates a culture of impunity in policing. The organization has long called for reforms that center the voices and experiences of families most impacted by police violence, and ending qualified immunity is a central demand. “We want a system where officers who violate the law are held to the same standards as anyone else,” said Flanagan. “When there is no accountability, there is no justice. And without justice, communities cannot heal.” Every year, over one thousand people are killed by police in the United States. Many of their families never see their day in court. MAPB was founded to lift up these stories, demand justice, and push for policy changes that address the systemic nature of police violence. The failure to end qualified immunity disproportionately affects Black, Brown, and Indigenous families — communities that are over-policed and under-protected. MAPB is urging Congress to move quickly and decisively to pass the Ending Qualified Immunity Act. “We know what needs to be done,” said Flanagan. “We do not need more commissions or studies. We need laws that protect people’s rights and ensure that those who abuse their power are held accountable. Congress must pass the Ending Qualified Immunity Act without delay.” The organization plans to mobilize its national network of families, activists, and allies in support of the bill, including organizing social media campaigns and direct advocacy targeting key lawmakers. |
| Mothers Against Police Brutality, Inc. (MAPB) was founded in 2013 by Collette Flanagan after her son, Clinton Allen, an unarmed 25-year-old, was shot and killed by a Dallas police officer. MAPB brings together mothers from across the country whose loved ones have been killed by police, working to raise public awareness, build community power, and demand transformative change in law enforcement and public safety. Through policy advocacy, public education, and direct support to families, MAPB fights to ensure that no other parent has to suffer the pain of losing a child to police violence. |
