The latest news and information about qualified immunity

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 9/25–9/29

CBS explores how police misconduct affects taxpayers; racial profiling in Illinois traffic stops reaches a record high; the Washington cops who killed Manuel Ellis face trial; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 9/18–9/22

The Intercept spotlights the difficulties of decertifying violent police; Illinois abolishes cash bail; Alabama cops unjustly tase a high school band director; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 9/11–9/15

The cops who killed Tyre Nichols face federal charges; Baltimore officials invest in tech to track problematic policing; a Louisiana prison is under fire for violating children’s rights; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 9/4–9/8

The ACLU slams Georgia’s indictment of Cop City activists; the NYPD agrees to ban aggressive tactics against peaceful protestors; Ohio demands justice for Ta’kiya Young; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 8/28–9/1

Legal experts condemn false police narratives; Bronx demands justice for Eric Duprey; an Ohio community champions police reform; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 8/21–8/25

A federal lawsuit exposes qualified immunity’s inherent flaws; Vermont embraces police transparency; Ben Crump demands justice for Ronald Greene; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 8/14–8/18

A Kansas police newsroom raid sparks outrage; Hulu premieres a new documentary of police brutality; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 8/7–8/11

This week, we highlight the story of Kenneth Chamberlain and how his family’s decade-long fight for justice underscores the necessity of ending qualified immunity.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/31–8/4

The DOJ launches its probe of the Memphis Police Department; Colorado upholds police accountability; a federal court protects the First Amendment rights of Cop City opponents; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/24–7/28

A federal judge upholds Arizonans’ constitutional right to film cops; a Black Chicago officer fights racist policing; legal experts question Washington’s police surveillance tactics; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/17–7/21

Tony Timpa’s family gets their day in court; Illinois abolishes cash bail; federal lawmakers reintroduce a bill to end police brutality; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/10–7/14

TIME examines the impact of George Floyd protests; Minneapolis unveils a promising new public safety plan; California and Washington uphold the rights of incarcerated individuals; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/3–7/7

SCOTUS refuses to challenge qualified immunity; Chicago becomes more critical of its law enforcement; Native American activists protest police brutality; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 6/26–6/30

Civil rights advocates continue the push for federal police reform; criminal justice experts slam Cop City; San Antonio arrests officers who unjustly used deadly force; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 6/19–6/23

The DOJ exposes systemic racism in the Minneapolis Police Department; the NYPD’s interim commissioner gets called out for excessive force; California gears up to decertify thousands of cops accused of misconduct; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 6/12–6/16

Randy Cox wins a historic settlement; a student-athlete speaks out for police accountability; Baltimore’s “tough-on-crime” policies fail to build public trust; and more! 

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 6/5–6/9

Atlanta activists unite to stop Cop City; a Brooklyn community redefines public safety; a new survey reveals the toll of police violence on Black mental health; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/29–6/2

Aderrien Murry’s family seeks justice; East Buffalo shows up for public safety; Black lawmakers urge Congress to address police reform; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/22–5/26

George Floyd’s family reflects on his legacy; Nashville stands firm for public safety; California high schoolers confront Antioch’s police chief; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/15–5/19

Minneapolis moves forward with police overhaul; California’s attorney general investigates racism in the Antioch Police Department; federal legislators seek to stop civil forfeiture; and more! 

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/8–5/12

Criminal justice experts explain the bipartisan nature of police accountability; Edward Bronstein’s family wins a historic settlement; Austin voters embrace police reform; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/1–5/5

Bijan Ghaisar’s family donates their settlement to fight qualified immunity; New York police unions push false narratives to avoid accountability; a San Francisco DA targets police misconduct; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/24–4/28

A UN panel investigates American law enforcement; the NAACP Legal Defense Fund endorses ending qualified immunity in New York; Tennessee legislators vote to abolish police oversight; and more! 

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/17–4/21

Federal lawmakers reintroduce the Ending Qualified Immunity Act; Tyre Nichols’ family sues Memphis; Oklahoma suspends racist law enforcement officials; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/10–4/14

The officer who killed Patrick Lyoya didn’t follow police training or standards; an NYPD officer brags about milking overtime; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/3–4/7

Minneapolis strengthens public safety; a California police union executive faces criminal charges; Al Sharpton demands justice for Irvo Otieno; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 3/27–3/31

Newark redefines public safety; the New York City Council weighs in on police transparency; an elderly Florida woman seeks justice after Texas cops broke her arm; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 3/20–3/24

The Virginia cops who killed Irvo Otieno face justice; House Dems double down on police reform; Philadelphia pays out millions to protestors brutalized by police; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 3/13–3/17

Ben and Jerry rallied in Boston against police brutality; the Marshall Project investigates aggressive policing in Memphis; the ACLU of Louisiana “defeats” qualified immunity in a wrongful death suit; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 3/6–3/10

The Justice Dept. uncovers years of abusive policing in Louisville, KY; a New York jail supervisor faces homicide charges; DC demonstrators demand justice for Timothy McCree Johnson; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 2/27–3/3

Popular Science explains how police brutality impacts public health; Ben and Jerry rally for police accountability in Vermont; civil rights activists resist aggressive policing in Mississippi; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 2/20–2/24

Legal scholar Joanna Schwartz discredits qualified immunity; state legislators nationwide champion police reform; the Memphis cops charged in Tyre Nichols’ death deny accountability; and more!

End qualified immunity
States Take on QI in 2023

In response to Tyre Nichols’ fatal police beating, a growing number of states are setting their sights on ending qualified immunity in 2023.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 2/13–2/17

Reason blasts qualified immunity; Washington State inches closer to police accountability; Mississippi activists demand justice for two Black men beaten by racist cops; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 2/6–2/10

President Biden addresses police reform at the State of the Union; The New York Times tells Congress to “write out” qualified immunity; community leaders in Washington State call on lawmakers to hold cops accountable; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/30–2/3

Tyre Nichols’ death renews push to pass the Justice in Policing Act; a retired police captain condemns the lack of police accountability; Maryland sets its sights on ending qualified immunity; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/23–1/27

Slate explores the current response to police reform; New Yorkers rally in Albany to end qualified immunity; Texas introduces legislation to hold law enforcement accountable; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/16–1/20

Los Angeles demands justice for Keenan Anderson; the Chicago Police Dept. refuses to fire Oath Keeper cop; West Virginia introduces bill to end qualified immunity; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/9–1/13

New data reveals that police killings reached a record high in 2022; Washington State launches a police use-of-force hotline; a Texas case pits the First Amendment against qualified immunity; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/2–1/6

The Nevada Supreme Court affirms the right to sue government officials; Washington State lawmakers introduce bill to end qualified immunity; Kansas police rescind drug charges against a terminal cancer patient; and more! 

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 12/19–12/23

USA Today explores problematic police unions; data reveals how the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk policy disproportionately impacts people of color; the former cop who killed Atatiana Jefferson is sentenced to prison; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 12/12–12/16

A Yale professor challenges assumptions about policing and crime; Washington State eyes a bill to end qualified immunity; Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend settles with the city of Louisville; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 12/5–12/9

Portland, Ore., scores a public safety victory; San Francisco reverses decision authorizing killer police robots; Alabama cops arrest elderly woman over a trash bill; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 11/28–12/2

Atlanta settles with the family of Rayshard Brooks; San Francisco police propose giving robots the license to kill; the Connecticut cops who paralyzed Randy Cox face accountability; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 11/14–11/18

Three ex-cops plead guilty for killing Fanta Bility; Vermonters demand less police in their schools; a new report slams subpar officer training; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 11/7–11/11

The Root exposes racist cops on social media; a California mother campaigns for public safety; police misconduct cases reach huge payouts; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 10/31–11/4

Axios examines race and policing; an ex-cop faces trial for killing Patrick Lyoya; Ben Crump takes on the LA County Sheriff’s Department; and more! 

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 10/24–10/28

The Washington Post reports on the devastating effects of nonfatal police shootings; Maryland’s attorney general re-examines cases for police bias; another cop pleads guilty for George Floyd’s death; and more! 

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 10/17–10/21

John Oliver discusses how the news covers policing; Ohio rallies to end qualified immunity; public safety advocates work to improve responses to mental health calls; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 10/10–10/14

Uvalde suspends its rogue police force; Daniel Prude’s family receives justice; Detroit rallies to honor Porter Burks; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 10/3–10/7

Cop TV shows acknowledge the call for police reform; a new California law targets racist policing; The Onion gets serious about the First Amendment; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 9/26–9/30

A huge win for the family of Andrew Joseph III; a new report calls out the NYPD’s discriminatory arrest practices; Botham Jean’s sister speaks on police reform; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 9/19–9/23

Qualified immunity denies justice for Isaiah Lewis; a federal judge sides with Kenneth Chamberlain’s family; another rogue cop is sentenced for abetting George Floyd’s murder; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 9/12–9/16

an Alabama pastor recalls his harrowing experience with racist policing; Chicago’s new deputy mayor for public safety addresses police reform; the ACLU takes on qualified immunity in Louisiana; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 9/5–9/9

Alabama residents demand justice for Otis French Jr.; data reveals racial disparities in Ohio police’s use of force; a rogue Arizona cop faces accountability for killing a man in a wheelchair; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 8/29–9/2

Fanta Bility’s mother demands justice; Vermont primary voters prioritize public safety; the ACLU fights Arizona’s unconstitutional new law; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 8/22–8/26

Justice fails Rayshard Brooks; a rogue Chicago cop faces battery charges; Black citizens fight against racist policing in Mississippi; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 8/15–8/19

Jayland Walker’s mother fights to keep his memory alive; public safety advocates stand up for police transparency in Maryland; another rogue cop is held accountable for Breonna Taylor’s death; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 8/8–8/12

The Justice Dept. charges the rogue cops responsible for Breonna Taylor’s death; the NYPD’s new inspector general vows to increase oversight; the Marshall Project examines promising shifts in police accountability; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 8/1–8/5

Ben Crump calls out the rogue cops responsible for Brianna Grier’s death; the Kansas Supreme Court upholds police accountability; Slate explores how qualified immunity denies justice to victims with mental health struggles; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/25–7/29

A rogue police chief gets caught using racial slurs; an off-duty official is charged with fatally shooting a Bronx teen; the Institute for Justice examines the unclear nature of qualified immunity; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/18–7/22

Texas investigates the “bewildering inaction” of rogue troopers in Uvalde; New York honors Eric Garner; Chicago marches for the protection of Black women; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/11–7/15

Jayland Walker’s brutal treatment raises questions about police use of force; leaked records expose a rogue Baltimore cop’s misconduct; Colorado continues to uphold constitutional rights; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/4–7/8

New details emerge regarding Jayland Walker’s death; the Justice Department launches an investigation into the NYPD; the Institute for Justice fights qualified immunity in New Hampshire; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 6/27–7/1

The Washington Post calls on Congress to bolster federal accountability; a human rights lawyer explains how weakening police unions can strengthen public safety; the rogue detective involved in Breonna Taylor’s death loses his second appeal; and more!

IJ Fights QI in New Hampshire

The Institute for Justice announces that it’s working with New Hampshire lawmakers to draft a 2023 bill to end qualified immunity in the Granite State.

Carli Pierson: Weakening Police Unions Can Strengthen Public Safety

Attorney Carli Pierson examines how loosening the grip of police unions can open the doors to police accountability. She also looks at Colorado as a model of successful police reform.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 6/20–6/24

The rogue cop responsible for Patrick Lyoya’s death faces consequences; the ACLU of Vermont tracks problematic policing; the Institute for Justice blasts the Supreme Court; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 6/13–6/17

The Justice Department investigates police misconduct in Louisiana; a rogue Chicago cop faces criminal charges; a constitutional expert takes on qualified immunity; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 6/6–6/10

The ACLU weighs in on Biden’s police reforms; New York fails to end qualified immunity (for now); a Maryland community demands greater involvement for police accountability; and more!

New York Legislature Fails to End QI This Session

The New York Legislature has failed to pass S 1991, the bill that would’ve ended qualified immunity, this session. Although disappointed, public safety advocates don’t feel defeated, and vow to continue pressing forward.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/30–6/3

Legal experts note how qualified immunity could shield Uvalde’s rogue cops; public safety advocates deliver urgent messages to New York lawmakers; a federal court paves the way for police accountability; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/23–5/27

President Biden signs police-reform executive orders; Ben Cohen advocates for New York’s bill to end qualified immunity; civil rights activists hold a symbolic memorial for victims of state violence; and more!

Ben Cohen Calls Out QI in the NY Daily News

Ben Cohen advocates for the bill to end qualified immunity in New York State in a recent op-ed for the NY Daily News.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/16–5/20

President Biden prepares to issue a police reform executive order; the Players Coalition pens a letter asking New York legislators to end qualified immunity; the ACLU of Vermont reinforces its commitment to police accountability; and more!

Darlene McDay Honors Her Late Son By Fighting QI

Darlene McDay’s son, Dante Taylor, died as the result of the abuse he endured from bad corrections officers. Turning devastating grief into righteous purpose, Darlene has become a passionate civil rights advocate, and is co-leader of End QI NY. She tells her story in a recent op-ed.

Players Coalition Asks NY Legislators to End QI

The Players Coalition has signed a letter to New York legislators urging passage of S 1991, the bill to end qualified immunity. “It’s time for New York to step up to the plate and protect its communities,” the letter states.

Former Police Chief Brendan Cox Supports Ending QI in NY

Brendan Cox, the former Albany chief of police, has penned an op-ed supporting S 1991, the bill to end qualified immunity in New York.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/9–5/13

Daunte Wright’s mother gets detained for exercising her constitutional rights; a screening of The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain honors families impacted by state violence; a retired cop speaks out against qualified immunity; and more!

The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain Screening Highlights Need to End QI in NY

A VIP screening of the acclaimed film The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain honored New York families impacted by government violence and called on Albany lawmakers to end qualified immunity in the state.

Retired Cop Wayne Harris: NY Must Do Away with QI

In a recent op-ed, Ret. Deputy Chief Wayne Harris, chair of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, argues that passing S 1991, the bill to end qualified immunity in the Empire State, will benefit New York police by getting rid of the barrier to public trust that prevents them from doing their job well.

Syracuse Post-Standard Editorial Board Supports Ending QI in NY

The Syracuse Post-Standard editorial board has come out against qualified immunity. The doctrine, they write, “is a barrier to justice, even when authorities commit egregious abuses that defy the Constitution, common sense and basic human dignity.”

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 5/2–5/6

New Jersey’s Supreme Court limits qualified immunity; public safety champions hold Mother’s Day of Action in New York’s capital; the City of Dallas attempts to block justice; and more!

Mother’s Day of Action Honors Impacted Families, Condemns QI

A coalition of mothers, lawmakers, and public safety advocates held a Mother’s Day of Action at the New York State Capitol on Wednesday, May 4, to honor New York families impacted by government violence and call on legislators to end qualified immunity in the state.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/25–4/29

Police release the name of the rogue cop who killed Patrick Lyoya; advocates and lawmakers gather to end qualified immunity in New York; Maryland’s attorney general sues a local sheriff for blocking justice; and more!

Public Safety Advocates and Lawmakers Call for an End to QI in NY

Public safety advocates, lawmakers, and Brooklyn residents met outside Brooklyn Borough Hall on April 22 in support of S 1991, the bill to end qualified immunity in New York.

Derek Perkinson on the Racist History of QI

Derek Perkinson, a civil rights strategist and New York State field director for the National Action Network, relates the racist history of qualified immunity in a recent op-ed for the Gotham Gazette.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/18–4/22

The nation demands justice for Patrick Lyoya; activists and law enforcement officials come together to help end qualified immunity in New York; rogue cops stop an 8-year-old boy over stolen chips; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/11–4/15

Criminal justice experts decry qualified immunity; a Latinx watchdog group calls out rogue NYPD cops; civil rights leaders demand police transparency; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/4–4/8

Courts rule in favor of police accountability; Maryland eyes new public safety measures; House reps speak out against qualified immunity; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 3/28–4/1

A judiciary subcommittee holds hearing on qualified immunity; New York’s Legal Aid Society releases report on discriminatory policing; a University of Maryland task force recommends public safety improvements; and more!

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 3/21–3/25

The Supreme Court gets slammed for strengthening qualified immunity to “almost absurd levels”; a state lawmaker addresses the humanitarian crisis in New York’s prison system; a good cop in Maryland sues his racist supervisors; and more!

Julia Salazar Blasts QI for Shielding Sexually Abusive Prison Guards

(CW: sexual assault)

In a recent op-ed, New York State Senator Julia Salazar blasts qualified immunity (QI) for shielding sexually abusive prison guards from accountability. Salazar, chair of the New York State Senate’s Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections, is a co-sponsor of S 1991, the New York bill that would end QI for bad correction officers.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 3/14–3/18

Public safety activists honor Breonna Taylor on the anniversary of her death; a new poll confirms that most New Yorkers favor ending qualified immunity; updates to Vermont’s civil rights bill; and more!

New Poll: Most New Yorkers Favor Ending QI

A new poll commissioned by End QI NY reveals that an outright majority of New Yorkers, 58 percent, favor ending qualified immunity for public officials.
 

Silvy Ovalle, Who Champions Good Law Enforcement, Speaks Out Against QI

Silvy Ovalle, a respected community leader from Central Islip, New York, speaks out against qualified immunity (QI). Ovalle, founder of the Central Islip Community Patrol, believes passing S 1991, the bill to eliminate QI in the state, will help build public trust in policing.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 3/7–3/11

Congressional reps revive the federal call to end qualified immunity; advocates discuss New York’s public safety bill; The Washington Post examines the financial toll of police misconduct; and more!

Black Westchester, End QI NY Discuss Repealing QI in New York

Black Westchester Magazine and End QI NY recently sat down for a virtual discussion on the need to repeal qualified immunity in New York. The conversation featured End QI NY co-founders Katerina Siira and Darlene McDay, along with retired NYPD officer and public safety advocate Corey Pegues.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 2/28–3/4

President Biden addresses police accountability during State of the Union; Ben and Jerry host a press conference for public safety in Vermont; NAACP attorneys condemn the “deepest failures” of qualified immunity; and more!

Cori Bush and Ayanna Pressley Reignite Federal Call to End QI

Following President Biden’s State of the Union speech, congresswomen Cori Bush and Ayanna Pressley held a rally March 3 in front of the Department of Justice, reigniting the call to end qualified immunity at the federal level.

Kesha Ram-Hinsdale, Ben and Jerry, and Others Hold Press Conference to End QI in VT

On March 2, a group of Vermont lawmakers and activists—including Sen. Kesha Ram-Hinsdale and Ben and Jerry—held a press conference in Burlington to draw attention to the necessity of abolishing qualified immunity in the Green Mountain State.

Pamela Moses Case Illustrates the “Deepest Failures” of QI

Georgina Yeomans and Kevin Jason from the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund highlight the Pamela Moses case as an example of the “deepest failures” of our legal system, looking at how qualified immunity “protects officials and punishes citizens.” 

MD’s Judiciary Committee Hears Arguments in Favor of HB 1012

On March 1, Maryland’s Judiciary Committee heard arguments in favor of HB 1012, the Police Immunity and Accountability Act. Introduced by Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins, this bill aims to end qualified immunity in Maryland.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 2/21–2/25

A noted reverend explains the “moral duty” of holding rogue cops accountable; a top Vermont prosecutor wants to topple qualified immunity; Maryland’s public safety bill gets a hearing; and more!

Newsday Spotlights S 1991

Newsday takes a look at S 1991, the bill to end qualified immunity in New York, and speaks to End QI NY’s Katerina Siira about how this measure will transform public safety in the Empire State.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 2/14–2/18

The Cato Institute explains how qualified immunity hurts law enforcement; advocates hold a press conference supporting New York’s public safety bill; renewed calls for federal police reform intensify following Amir Locke’s death; and more!

Rev. Adam Russell Taylor: We Have a “Moral Duty” to End QI

Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, president of Sojourners, explains why we have a “moral duty” to end qualified immunity. “For our justice system to have any legitimacy,” he writes, “wrongdoers must be punished fairly and equally, whether they are holding a badge or not.”

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 2/8–2/11

The Innocence Project discusses how they helped to eliminate qualified immunity in New Mexico; Ben and Jerry host a virtual event to support Vermont’s public safety bill; Chicago’s Office of Police Accountability investigates the humanitarian crisis in prisons; and more!

Becca Balint, Ben and Jerry, and More Host Virtual Event to End QI in VT

Vermont State President Pro Tem Becca Balint, Ben and Jerry, and other public safety advocates hosted a virtual event showing support for Senate bill S.254. The event, Justice for All, focused on creating justice and safety for all Vermonters with the passage of the bill.

Legal Experts: States Can Reform “Dysfunctional” Policing

Legal experts Alexander A. Reinert, Joanna C. Schwartz, and James E. Pfander discuss how states can protect public safety by abolishing qualified immunity. As they write, “Today’s crisis in the criminal legal system…provides an opportunity for a new kind of civil rights federalism—one that begins with state legislative action.”

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/31–2/4

A faith leader questions qualified immunity; Kenneth Chamberlain Jr. seeks accountability for his father; the ACLU of Vermont testifies for public safety; and more!

Jim Wallis Examines QI Through an Ethical Lens

In recent years, business leaders, pro athletes, and creative artists have all spoken out against qualified immunity. Now, we can add another group to the list: faith leaders. Jim Wallis, founding director of the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice, examines the unjust doctrine through an ethical lens.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/24–1/28

A mother and activist calls for police accountability; New York State Senator Robert Jackson slams qualified immunity; a major advocacy group endorses Vermont’s public safety bill; and more!

Robert Jackson: NY “Must End QI Now”

State Senator Robert Jackson, sponsor of NY’s QI-busting bill S 1991, has penned an op-ed slamming the unjust doctrine. “The battle to end qualified immunity can’t wait,” he writes in the New York Daily News.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/17–1/21

Council member who helped limit qualified immunity in NYC calls on states to follow suit; public safety activists demand police transparency in Maryland; President Biden plans executive action on police reform; and more!

Stephen Levin Calls on States to End QI

Stephen Levin, the former NYC council member who helped limit qualified immunity in the Big Apple, says New York and other states must now “step up to protect their residents.”

Dick Sears Ready to “Restore Trust in Community Policing”

Vermont State Senator Dick Sears, who’s sponsoring a bill to end qualified immunity, explains how abolishing the doctrine will improve public safety in the Green Mountain State.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/10–1/14

Aloe Blacc slams qualified immunity; Seattle watchdogs expose rogue cops; Oregon policymakers protect the right to protest in Portland; and more!

Aloe Blacc: QI “Tramples” Our Basic Rights

Musician, activist, and CTEQI coalition partner Aloe Blacc slams qualified immunity in a recent USA Today op-ed. The doctrine, he writes, “tramples our basic right to a fair trial” when bad government officials abuse their authority.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/3–1/7

A noted legal scholar calls on states to “rein in the police”; Vermont makes headlines for taking on qualified immunity; Illinois residents stand up for public safety; and more!

End qualified immunity
CTEQI Year-End Review

CTEQI’s year-end review recaps 10 key milestones and victories in our fight to advance racial justice, strengthen public safety, and protect civil rights.

Dave Myers Denounces QI

Good cop Dave Myers, a retired officer running for sheriff in San Diego County, denounces qualified immunity in a recent op-ed for USA Today. Abolishing the rule, he writes, is “an investment in restoring the trust between our law enforcement agencies and our communities.”

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 12/20–12/23

A noted legal scholar calls on states to “rein in the police”; Vermont makes headlines for taking on qualified immunity; Illinois residents stand up for public safety; and more!

Erwin Chemerinsky: States Can “Rein In the Police”

Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the School of Law at the University of Berkeley, discusses how states can “rein in the police” after both Congress and the Supreme Court failed to act.

CTEQI Weekly Wrap-Up: 12/13–12/17

Anquan Boldin fights for public safety; Vermont legislators plan policy to end qualified immunity; the New York City Council authorizes investigations into police misconduct; and more!

Tony Timpa Family Could See Justice

In a “stunning” reversal, a federal judge overturned a lower court’s decision to grant qualified immunity to the bad cops who killed Tony Timpa in 2016.

Vermont Policymakers Prepare to End QI

Backed by a broad, politically diverse coalition and strong public support, proposed legislation would end qualified immunity for bad cops in Vermont.

Anquan Boldin Fights QI

In an op-ed for USA Today, retired NFL star, accountability advocate, and CTEQI coalition partner Anquan Boldin describes how a family tragedy fueled his desire to end qualified immunity.

FBI Program Tracking Police Violence in Jeopardy Due to “Insufficient Participation”

An FBI program to track police violence is in jeopardy due to “insufficient participation from law enforcement agencies,” The Washington Post reports.  

Joyce Vance: QI “Has to Be Fixed”

Legal analyst, law professor, and former prosecutor Joyce Vance says that qualified immunity “has to be fixed” in an op-ed about the Ahmaud Arbery verdict and criminal justice reform.

NAACP Legal Defense Fund Condemns QI

The NAACP Legal Defense Fund condemns qualified immunity (QI) in a new op-ed for USA Today. The civil rights organization addresses how courts have created “serious barriers to accountability and fairness” because of QI.

Raffi Melkonian Speaks Out Against QI

Raffi Melkonian speaks out against qualified immunity (QI) in USA Today. Melkonian is a Houston-based attorney and a QI critic. As he discusses in his op-ed, suing rogue cops is nearly impossible because “qualified immunity upends the usual process and can stall cases for years.”

Ben and Jerry Pen Op-Ed for USA Today

Ben and Jerry pen an op-ed for USA Today. In their piece, the duo addresses our nation’s public safety crisis. Furthermore, they speak about how white people can tackle systemic racism in law enforcement.

Priscilla Villareal: A Victory for Accountability

Thanks to the Institute for Justice and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Texas-based citizen journalist Priscilla Villareal can now sue the corrupt cops who violated her rights. This is a victory for police accountability.

Leslie Herod, Mari Newman Reflect on Colorado Win

Last year, Colorado became the first state state to end qualified immunity (QI). Leslie Herod and Mari Newman were instrumental in passing this reform. In USA Today, the trailblazers discuss how they led their state toward eliminating QI.

New York State Pushes to End QI

Although federal efforts to repeal qualified immunity have failed, police reform advocates possess a new strategy: targeting individual states. One of these states is New York. 
 

States Can End QI

States can and should end qualified immunity, Chris Kemmitt and Georgina Yeomans write in Slate. Kemmett and Yeomans are civil rights attorneys for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. The two legal experts are vocal critics of the controversial doctrine.
 

Patrick Jaicomo and Chad Reese Clear the Air on QI

In an op-ed for The Washington Post, the Institute for Justice’s Patrick Jaicomo and Chad Reese address qualified immunity following Virginia’s recent gubernatorial debate, where the doctrine was a topic of discussion. The legal experts feel both candidates “mischaracterized” the court-created rule.
 

SB 2 Passes in California

SB 2 passes in California. As the Los Angeles Times reports, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 2. In addition, he signed other police reform provisions. This is a huge win in the fight to end qualified immunity.

Kevin Byrd Challenges QI

Kevin Byrd challenges qualified immunity (QI). In 2019, bad federal agent Ray Lamb threatened Byrd in an unprovoked attack. In response, Byrd sued. But Lamb got QI. Now, Kevin Byrd hopes to take his case to the Supreme Court.

JPA Collapses, But Fight to End QI Continues

Efforts to pass the JPA (George Floyd Justice in Policing Act) have officially collapsed, The Washington Post reports. Bipartisan lawmakers failed to reach an agreement. However, the fight to end qualified immunity continues.  

Lynette Christmas Calls Out QI

Content Warning: sexual assault

In 2016, bad cop Thomas Carl Pierson sexually assaulted Lynette Christmas during a traffic stop. Christmas survived and pursued justice. She’s now an accountability advocate. Specifically, she advocates to end qualified immunity.

Diane Goldstein Debunks 8 QI Myths

Diane Goldstein debunks 8 myths about qualified immunity (QI). Retired Lt. Goldstein is the executive director of Law Enforcement Action Partnership. On September 16, she published an op-ed in USA Today that debunks 8 myths about the unjust doctrine. 

Police Accountability in St. Louis

On September 13, the Pulitzer Center published an article on the deaths of Nicholas Gilbert and Don Ray Clark. Both Gilbert and Clark died under police custody. Both were from St. Louis, Missouri. And both died in ways similar to George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

The Supreme Court and QI

USA Today looks at the Supreme Court and qualified immunity (QI). In a new op-ed, USA Today’s Editorial Board examines some recent QI rulings. Handed down by the Supreme Court, these rulings could signal “a new era of accountability.”

Positive Changes in Colorado Policing

Positive changes have taken place in Colorado policing due to SB 217, the Centennial State’s landmark police reform package. In a recent piece, KUNC explores SB 217’s impact.

Conservatives Against QI

On August 25, the Cato Institute’s Clark Neily penned a blog post that provides a case against qualified immunity from the viewpoint of three conservative values: personal responsibility, limited government, and stopping judicial activism.

Freedom of Speech and Qualified Immunity

Freedom of speech and qualified immunity (QI). That’s the topic of a recent USA Today op-ed. The piece focuses on how QI protects college administrators. Specifically, when they violate a student’s First Amendment rights.

CTEQI Update

Today, federal lawmakers let down the American people by scraping qualified immunity reform from the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act negotiations. But the good news is, we still have many viable paths to accountability. Our fight is far from over.

Joanna Schwartz Weighs in on QI

Joanna Schwartz weighs in on qualified immunity (QI). Schwartz is a UCLA law professor. And a QI expert. Furthermore, she opposes the doctrine. On August 18, Joanna Schwartz appeared on the PBS News Hour. Specifically, to discuss QI.

Good Cop Clears the Air About QI

Good cop Evan Douglas clears the air about qualified immunity. In his op-ed in The Hill, Officer Douglas says repealing the rule will benefit both police and the public.

Legal Scholars Against QI

Legal scholars Brooke Barnett and Lauren Bonds are the latest experts calling out qualified immunity (QI). On August 9, the duo wrote an op-ed on QI for NJ.com.

States Lead the Way on QI Reform

On August 6, USA Today’s Editorial Board published an op-ed. In it, they discuss QI reform. Particularly, state-based efforts to repeal the doctrine.

Bad Cop Runs for Sheriff in Colorado

Last year, bad cop Darian Dasko traumatized Brittany Gilliam and her family. Nevertheless, that’s not preventing Dasko from running for sheriff. Still, there’s one thing this bad cop can’t claim: qualified immunity.

New Hampshire Police Department: QI a “Unique Benefit”

A New Hampshire police department listed qualified immunity as a “unique benefit” on a job post. A few hours later, the department took down the post. They labeled it “inappropriate.” Nevertheless, the post didn’t escape notice.

Charles Lorentz’s Mother Wants to End QI

Charles Lorentz’s mother wants to end qualified immunity (QI). On March 21, 2020, a bad park ranger fatally shot Charles during a minor traffic stop. In response, his mother, Kimberly Beck, sued. Yet, Charles Lorentz’s loved ones were denied justice.

Schoolteachers and QI

In a recent article, Slate examines schoolteachers and qualified immunity (QI). As Slate notes, the fight to end QI mostly focuses on bad cops. However, “it is important to keep in mind that qualified immunity extends beyond just police-civilian interactions.”

Pew Center: 2021 a “Groundbreaking Year for Police Accountability”

“2021 has proven to be a groundbreaking year for police accountability,” reports the Pew Center. Although federal efforts to pass police reform have stalled in the Senate, it’s a different story on a state level.

Colorado: One Year Without Qualified Immunity

In 2020, Colorado made police reform history. It became the first state to end qualified immunity. What effect has that had on policing in the Centennial State? Newsy takes a look.

Al Sharpton Wants to End QI

Al Sharpton wants to end qualified immunity (QI). The civil rights activist and host of MSNBC’s PoliticsNation recently called out the unjust doctrine while discussing the tragic death of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain.

Clarence Thomas Slams QI

Clarence Thomas slams qualified immunity (QI). As Forbes reports, Justice Thomas wants the Supreme Court to “reconsider” QI. Clarence Thomas is a notable critic of the controversial doctrine.

Civil Rights Groups to Congress: End QI

On July 7, a coalition of 29 prominent civil rights groups wrote a letter calling on Congress to end qualified immunity. The group includes the ACLU, the Human Rights Campaign, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

USA Today Editorial Board Comes Out Against QI

The USA Today Editorial Board comes out against qualified immunity (QI). On July 8, the USA Today Editorial Board published a piece criticizing the court-created rule.

Al Sharpton Demands Justice for Hunter Brittain

Al Sharpton demands justice for Hunter Brittain. On June 23, a bad sheriff’s deputy fatally shot Brittan during a traffic stop outside of Little Rock, Arkansas. Brittain, aged 17, was unarmed.

Philando Castile’s Mother Wants to End QI

Philando Castile’s mother wants to end qualified immunity (QI). Tuesday, July 5, was the fifth anniversary of Philando Castile’s death. His mother, Valerie, calls for justice in her son’s memory.

Clarence Thomas Blasts QI

Clarence Thomas blasts qualified immunity (QI). As Reason notes, the Supreme Court Justice “is no liberal hero.” In fact, Clarence Thomas is one of SCOTUS’ most conservative judges. However, he’s also a vocal critic of qualified immunity. And, once again, Justice Clarence Thomas speaks out against the unethical doctrine..

Sonia Pruitt Publishes Op-Ed on QI

On June 28, Sonia Pruitt published an op-ed for CNN. In her piece, the former police captain shares her thoughts on qualified immunity (QI). Captain Pruitt says that QI must go.

Ayanna Pressley Fights QI

Ayanna Pressley fights qualified immunity (QI). The Massachusetts congresswoman recently spoke with MSNBC’s Ali Velshi on the need to keep QI reform in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (JPA).

Above the Law on Soul of the Nation

On June 24, Ben Cohen promoted his new book, Above the Law, on the Soul of a Nation podcast. Ben and host Rev. Jim Wallis discuss racial, justice, police accountability, and the need to end qualified immunity.

Institute for Justice Writes Op-Ed on QI

On June 24, the Institute for Justice (IJ) published an op-ed in USA Today. The op-ed discusses the compromises in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (JPA). Per IJ, a leaked draft of the compromise bill “shows hope” for reforming qualified immunity (QI).

Salt Lake Tribune Op-Ed Calls for QI Reform

A recent op-ed in Utah’s Salt Lake City Tribune calls for qualified immunity (QI) reform. Ethan Dursteler wrote this op-ed.

Vox Poll: Americans Want to End QI

According to a Vox poll, most Americans want to end qualified immunity (QI). Between June 9–11, VOX/Data for Progress conducted a survey. This survey focused on police reform. The data reveals that most Americans support “a more progressive approach” to police reform. This approach includes ending QI.

Nonprofits to Congress: End QI

A group of 17 nonprofits, including the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity, wrote an open letter to Congress. This letter demands greater government accountability.

Judge Grants QI to William Barr

On Monday, June 21, a federal judge granted qualified immunity to former Attorney General William Barr and other officials.

NABCJ Wants to End QI

The National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) wants to end qualified immunity. As North Carolina’s WRAL notes, the NABCJ ‘s mission is “to achieve equal justice for Black people and other minorities.”

Jamaal Bowman Wants to End QI

New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman wants to end qualified immunity (QI). Congressman Bowman is a rising star in progressive politics.

Leonard Lopate on Above the Law

Ben went on WBAI Radio’s Leonard Lopate at Large to promote Above the Law, his book on qualified immunity. With his new book on qualified immunity, Ben Cohen wants to set the record straight on the crooked rule.

Jerry Discusses QI on Cheddar News

On June 15, Jerry Greenfield went on Cheddar News to discuss qualified immunity (QI). The co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and co-chair of the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity (CTEQI) spoke with host Baker Machado about police reform.

Ben, Jerry, and Ari Melber Discuss QI on MSNBC

Recently, Ben and Jerry discussed qualified immunity (QI) on MSNBC’s The Beat with Ari Melber. On the program, host Ari Melber remarks how Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield do work that “supports their views on justice and equality.”

Institute for Justice Pens Op-Ed on QI

On June 9, the Institute for Justice published an op-ed in The Hill on federal police and qualified immunity (QI). Patrick Jaicomo and Anya Bidwell from the Institute for Justice (IJ) penned this piece.

Police Liability Insurance and QI

Police liability insurance and qualified immunity (QI) are related subjects. Recently, these topics have generated interest. Particularly in the conversation around police reform.

Michigan Bill Targets QI

Michigan is the latest state with a bill that targets qualified immunity (QI). As The Detroit News reports, Michigan House Democrats just unveiled a new police-reform package.

Ben & Jerry Speak to CNN About Ending QI

Ben and Jerry speak to CNN about ending qualified immunity (QI). As CNN anchor Victor Blackwell notes, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield are “not new to social justice campaigns.”

Ben, Jerry, and Al Sharpton Discuss QI

On Sunday, June 6, Ben and Jerry discussed qualified immunity (QI) with the Reverend Al Sharpton on MSNBC. On the subject of police accountability, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield always speak their mind.

CTEQI Partners Rally in New York to End QI

On Wednesday, June 2, Campaign to End Qualified Immunity (CTEQI) coalition partners attended a rally to end qualified immunity (QI) in New York State. The event took place outside the New York State Capitol in Albany.

Civil Rights Lawyers Pen Op-Ed Against QI

Jonathan H. Feinberg and Lauren Bonds are two prominent civil rights lawyers. Feinberg and Bonds both work for the National Police Accountability Project. They’re against qualified immunity (QI).

Washington Post Features “Five Myths” About QI

Each week, The Washington Post publishes a “Five Myths” section. Per the Post, this weekly column challenges “everything you think you know” about a specific topic. This week’s topic features five myths about qualified immunity (QI).

Ending QI will Not Bankrupt Cops According to Study

Ending qualified immunity (QI) will not bankrupt cops according to an eye-opening study from 2014. A recent article published in Reason clarifies this major misconception about qualified immunity.

Karen Bass and NAACP President Discuss JPA and QI

Congresswoman Karen Bass and NAACP President Gerrick Johnson spoke with TIME on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death. The conversation centered around police reform.

NBA Social Justice Coalition: Pass the JPA and End QI

On Monday, May 24, the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) social justice coalition called on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (JPA) and end qualified immunity (QI).

One year later: George Floyd’s Murder and QI

May 25, 2021, marks the one year anniversary of Floyd’s murder at the hands of ex-cop Derek Chauvin. In the last 12 months, we’ve witnessed a dramatic increase in the nationwide demand for greater police accountability.

Forbes: Ben and Jerry Speak Out on Racial Justice

When it comes to ending qualified immunity (QI), Forbes notices that Ben and Jerry refuse to stay on the sidelines. In fact, the duo remain front and center.

Ayanna Pressley on George Floyd and Ending QI

Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley is a leader in the national efforts to end qualified immunity (QI). On May 25, the the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, Rep. Pressley went on MSNBC.

NYT Features CTEQI

The New York Times features the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity (CTEQI) in a recent article. Specifically, in an article that examines qualified immunity (QI) in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (JPA).

Maxine Waters: “I’m Not Giving Up on Ending Qualified Immunity”

Alanah Odoms is Executive Director of the ACLU of Louisiana (LA). On May 22, the civil rights activist appeared on MSNBC to discuss Ronald Greene, police reform, and qualified immunity (QI).

ACLU LA Calls for an End to QI

Alanah Odoms is Executive Director of the ACLU of Louisiana (LA). On May 22, the civil rights activist appeared on MSNBC to discuss Ronald Greene, police reform, and qualified immunity (QI).

NYT Editorial Board Comes Out Against QI

Leading up to the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death on May 25, the New York Times Editorial Board calls for an end to the unjust doctrine that shields bad cops from accountability.

Progressives to Congress: Keep QI Reform in JPA

A group of 10 progressives in the House of Representatives penned a letter to Congress. In this letter, they urge the body to keep qualified immunity (QI) reform in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (JPA).

CTEQI Coalition Holds Press Conference to End QI

Members of the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity (CTEQI) coalition including Ben Cohen, Jerry Greenfield, Clark Neily, and Jay Schweikert held a press conference to call on Congress to end qualified immunity (QI).

Innocence Project on Qualified Immunity

The exoneration of two North Carolina brothers falsely convicted of murder highlights the need for qualified immunity (QI) reform.

Elizabeth Wydra Supports the EQIA

Elizabeth Wydra supports the Ending Qualified immunity Act (EQIA). Wydra is a litigator and president of the Constitutional Accountability Center.

Experts Agree: End QI

Experts all agree: we need to end qualified immunity (QI). As we approach the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death, a number of legal experts voice their thoughts on police reform. Specifically, on the importance of ending qualified immunity (QI).

Tamika Mallory Supports Ending QI

Tamika Mallory supports ending qualified immunity (QI). The social justice activist and author was one of the leading organizers of the 2017 Women’s March.

MSNBC Deep Dive on QI

MSNBC recently aired a deep dive of two segments highlighting the qualified immunity (QI) doctrine that protects police officers when they break the law.

New Jersey Bill Targets QI

New Jersey introduces a bill that targets qualified immunity (QI). New Jersey joins a growing number of states setting their sights on eliminating the doctrine. As PIX 11 reports, On May 11, Senator Nia Gill introduced S-3730. This bill seeks to end QI for bad cops in the Garden State.

LA House Limits QI

On May 11, the Louisiana (LA) House voted in favor of limits to qualified immunity (QI). House Bill 609 is the Bayou State’s attempt to hold cops more accountable. Sponsored by Rep. Edmond Jordan, the bill passed the House with a 53-42 vote.

NYS Senator Robert Jackson Wants to End QI

New York State (NYS) Senator Robert Jackson wants to end qualified immunity (QI). On May 10, Senator Robert Jackson stopped by WYNC’s The Brian Lehrer Show. He came on the program to discuss S 1991, a police reform bill he’s sponsoring. S 1991 aims to end qualified immunity (QI) in New York State.

Major Cities Chiefs Association Supports QI Reform

The Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCAA) is a police organization representing large cities in the United States and Canada. On May 9, the MCCA released a statement that supports qualified immunity (QI) reform.

Los Angeles Daily News Op-Ed on QI

The Editorial Board of the Los Angeles Daily News wrote an op-ed on qualified immunity (QI). The op-ed supports Senate Bill 2. This act seeks to end QI for bad cops in the Golden State. SB 2 was introduced by State Senator Steven Bradford. Along with targeting QI, the bill wants to decertify bad cops. SB 2 is a response to the growing calls to eliminate QI, both in California and nationwide. These calls have increased since George Floyd’s death in May 2020.

Fighting QI in NH with Ben and Jerry

As In Depth New Hampshire reports, Rep. Paul Berch introduced an amendment to Senate Bill 96. The amendment reintroduces legislation to end QI in NH. The lawmaker unveiled the amendment at Monday’s news conference. Ben and Jerry back the amendment. That’s why they came to New Hampshire to speak at the news conference.

Boston Globe Op-Ed on QI

The Boston Globe recently published an op-ed on qualified immunity (QI). In her op-ed for the Globe, staff writer Kimberly Atkins supports ending the doctrine. Her piece focuses on bipartisan negotiations surrounding the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

WBUR Examines QI

WBUR’s On Point is hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti with producer Anna Baum. The episode on QI is called “How Refroming Qualified Immunity Could Transform Policing in America.” The guests are Joanna Schwartz, Professor of Law at UCLA, and Colorado State Rep. Leslie Herod. In June 2020, Colorado became the first state to end qualified immunity. Rep. Herod was instrumental in making that happen.

No Justice in Ulises Valladares Case

The qualified immunity (QI) defense has been invoked by prison guards in the Ulises Valladares case. The family of the late Valladares is appealing this QI decision. Specifically, an appeal court’s decision to grant QI to the agent who killed Ulises Valladares. Despite the decision, his family refuses to back down.

Letters to the Editor Roundup

Here’s our latest letters to the editor (LTE) roundup. In periodicals from Hawaii’s West Hawaii Today to California’s Taunton Daily Gazette, and The Mercury News to Massachusetts’ Telegram & Gazette, readers nationwide weigh in on qualified immunity (QI).

Rutgers Law Center on QI

Rutgers Law Center recently released a study on qualified immunity (QI). Rutgers Law Center is affiliated with Rutgers University in New Jersey. The study is called Brutality By Design: Understanding Police Misconduct as Structural Inequality. It was spearheaded by David D. Troutt. He is a law professor at Rutgers and founder of the Center on Law, Inequality and Metropolitan Equity (CLiME).

MSNBC’s Velshi Explores QI

Limiting or ending QI “could fundamentally change policing,” Velshi states. The doctrine is very controversial. QI’s supporters defend it because they feel police need special protections when making split-second decisions. However, those who oppose QI feel differently. They believe that QI shields bad cops from accountability when they act unlawfully.

Ben Cohen on Corporate Activism, QI

Ben Cohen weighs in on corporate activism and ending qualified immunity (QI). Ben is the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and co-chair of the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity. He recently spoke to The Hill about corporate activism. Specifically, about the ways in which businesses can use their power to solve social problems.

Ben & Jerry Support LD 214

Qualified immunity is in the hot seat in Maine. This week, the Maine Legislature held a public hearing on a bill that would abolish the court-created loophole. The bill is called LD 214. It’s also known as An Act to Eliminate Qualified Immunity for Police Officers.

Ben Cohen on Above the Law

Ben Cohen is the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. He’s co-chair of the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity (CTEQI). And he’s the author of a new book on qualified immunity (QI). In The Santa Cruz Sentinel, Ben discusses his new book on QI. Published by O/R Books, the book is called Above the Law: How “Qualified immunity” Protects Violent Police.

Police Benevolent Association: Limiting QI in NYC Was the Right Thing To Do

The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) is the world’s largest municipal police union. The PBA serves New York City. And in a recently released memo, the PBA admits that limiting qualified immunity (QI) for bad cops in New York City was the right thing to do.

Progressives on QI

Progressive lawmakers refuse to compromise on qualified immunity (QI), CNN reports. Repealing the doctrine is a key provision in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Progressives are very much in favor of ending QI. However, this has been a sticking point for Republicans in the ongoing debate over police reform.

Ben & Jerry on Pitchfork

Ben & Jerry stopped by the Pitchfork Economics podcast to discuss qualified immunity. Particularly, how they’re fighting to repeal the doctrine that shields bad cops from liability. On the podcast, the duo talk about how, as business leaders, they use their resources to call for meaningful change.

Ben Cohen’s New Book on Cato Podcast

As host Caleb O. Brown notes, Ben Cohen has been doing some heavy lifting speaking out against qualified immunity (QI). As well as being the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Ben is the co-chair of the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity (CTEQI). And, as Brown says, he’s now written a book on the topic. On the Cato Daily Podcast, Ben talks about Above the Law, his new book.

Professor Talks QI on WPR

Law professor Teressa Ravanell talks qualified immunity (QI) on Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR).

Cori Bush on CNN

Congresswoman Cori Bush recently appeared on CNN to talk about qualified Immunity (QI). On the “Inside Politics” program, the St. Louis Democrat says she refuses to vote on any police reform legislation that does not include ending QI. She feels that getting rid of the court-created loophole is necessary to achieve real reform.

NAACP’s Janai Nelson on QI

Janai Nelson talks about qualified immunity (QI) on MSNBC. She is Associate Director-Counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Nelson recently sat down with Andrea Mitchell to discuss police reform measures and why ending qualified immunity is a must.

Rep. Karen Bass on The View

U.S. Rep. Karen Bass recently appeared on ABC’s The View to look at qualified immunity. The House Democrat came by the popular daytime talk show to speak about police reform. A criminal justice reform advocate, Rep. Bass is a leading sponsor of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Philonise Floyd on Ending QI

In an op-ed published in The Washington Post, Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, shares his thoughts on Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdict.

Chauvin Verdict Sparks Nationwide Calls to End QI

Nationwide calls to end qualified immunity (QI) intensify in the wake of Derek Chauvin’s conviction for George Floyd’s murder. Here’s what people around the country, from activists to lawmakers, are saying about police accountability and ending qualified immunity.

Ending QI in California

Ending qualified immunity (QI) in California is closer than ever. Ben Cohen, Jerry Greenfield and Julia Yoo, all CTEQI leaders, discuss QI and police accountability in California.

Killer Mike in The Guardian

The UK-based publication recently printed Killer Mike’s preface to Ben Cohen’s new book, Above the Law: How ‘Qualified Immunity’ Protects Violent Police, as an op-ed.

Police Accountability in Ohio

As WYSO Ohio writes, a coalition of statewide civil rights groups has formed to take on the troubled doctrine. The group, Accountability Now Ohio, set up a petition drive in Cincinnati on April 17. The goal was to collect enough signatures to register themselves as a political action committee (PAC).

Van Jones Speaks Out on QI

As the nation awaits the verdict of Derek Chauvin’s trial, Van Jones speaks out. Jones calls on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and end qualified immunity (QI).

Killer Mike Wants to End QI

Revolt reports how rapper and activist Killer Mike is speaking out against the court-created loophole “widely regarded as one of the most unjustified legal doctrines in American history.”

Activist on Ending QI

In a recent op-ed for EBONY, activist Najee Ali urges action on ending qualified immunity (QI). In her piece, the civil rights activist looks at how, by shielding bad cops from liability, QI has contributed to years of police violence.

VA NAACP Wants to End QI

The Virginia (VA) NAACP has launched a campaign to end qualified immunity (QI). This effort began after footage of an unprovoked attack on Caron Nazario by two Windsor, VA, police officers went viral.

Former Cop: QI Makes Us Less Safe

Former cop Diane Goldstein speaks out against qualified immunity (QI) in her recent think-piece for The Crime Report. In the article, Goldstein dispels some of the common misconceptions about ending the controversial doctrine.

Porsha Williams: End QI

Porsha Williams wants to end qualified immunity (QI). On April 9, the popular television personality spoke with Ben and Jerry about the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity (CTEQI). The discussion, which took place on Instagram Live, garnered praise for Porsha, dishes the Celebrity Insider.

Ben & Jerry on CBS

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield recently appeared on CBS News to air their thoughts on QI. The ice cream innovators and CTEQI co-chairs talk about our campaign, police accountability, and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

No More QI in NM

In a key victory for police accountability, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed HB 4 into law on April 7.

Ending QI in WI

Jonathan Brostoff wants to end qualified immunity (QI) in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin lawmaker recently wrote an op-ed in the Shepherd Express. In his piece, Rep. Brostoff details the various problems with qualified immunity.

D.C. Commission: End QI

On April 1, the D.C. Police Reform Commission released a nearly 600-page report. This report, says WDVM DC, “has about 90 recommendations that will transform policing” in the District of Columbia.

Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin Wants to End QI

Anquan Boldin wants to end qualified immunity (QI). As SportsCasting reports, the longtime Arizona Cardinals receiver “has gone from celebrating touchdowns to fighting for equality.”

New State QI Bills

Nationwide, new state qualified immunity (QI) bills are making news. Here are some of the latest states getting into the ring to combat the troubled doctrine.

Sonia Pruitt on Cato Podcast

Sonia Pruitt discusses qualified immunity on the Daily Cato Podcast. Captain Pruitt, head of the Black Police Experience, and the Cato Institute are coalition partners of the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity.

Ending QI in MN

Ending qualified immunity (QI) in Minnesota (MN) is becoming closer to a reality. As the Derek Chauvin trial gets underway, a MN House Committee passed a bill aimed at ending qualified immunity for bad cops.

NYC Council Speaker on Ending QI

NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson recently spoke to MSNBC’s Lawerence O’Donnell about ending qualified immunity in New York in light of George Floyd’s death in Minnesota.

Ben & Jerry on Axios Podcast

Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield recently came on the Axios Re:Cap podcast. On the show, they tackle a number of topics with host Dab Primack. The conversation includes discussions on ice cream, corporate activism, and the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity (CTEQI).

SCOTUS Limits QI for Cops

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court limits the ability for cops to claim qualified immunity (QI). In doing so, the court expanded the ability for victims of police violence to sue, Reuters reports.

NYC Ends QI for police

As The New York Times reports, NYC City Council voted on a large police reform package that ends qualified immunity (QI) as a defense for police officers in local civil lawsuits.

Ending QI in Texas

Ending qualified immunity (QI) in Texas is on the agenda for this legislative session. Texas’ George Floyd Act seeks to end QI in the Lone Star State, reports The Washington Post.

FINAL 10th Amendment
End QI Bill in West Virginia

Republican lawmaker Chris Pritt has unveiled a bill that would end qualified immunity (QI) in West Virginia.

News Leader on QI

In a recent article, Virginia’s News Leader digs deep on the future of qualified immunity (QI), policing in America. The article explores relevant topics such as police accountability. And it discusses the qualified immunity doctrine.

CTEQI Partners for HB 4

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield and coalition partner Mark Holden from Americans for Prosperity recently contributed the op-ed to the Santa Fe New Mexican.

ACLU Speaks Out Against QI

The ACLU speaks out against qualified immunity (QI.) The renowned civil liberties organization is putting pressure on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. They want the court to reconsider its decision to grant QI to the officers involved in Gabriel Olivas’ death.

QI on the Campaign Trail: VA

Democratic candidates in VA seek the party’s nomination for governor. Four candidates participated in a virtual debate on Tuesday night, reports the Patch.

Add Passion and Stir with Ben & Jerry

Campaign To End Qualified Immunity Co-Chairs Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield recently appeared on the Add Passion and Stir podcast. On the show, they discuss their commitment to ending qualified immunity.

New Mexico Closer to Ending QI

New Mexico moves closer to ending qualified immunity (qi.) Late on Wednesday night, the House and Senate both approved the HB 4 and sent it to the governor’s desk.

Letters to the Editor Roundup

Here is this month’s letters to the editor (LTE) round-up! From Maine to Arizona, CTEQI volunteers continue to write and publish impactful LTEs.

CTEQI Partners Op-Ed

Three CTEQI partners recently penned an op-ed for The Hill on ending qualified immunity. The partners include Clark Neily of the Cato Institute, a key coalition partner of the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity (CTEQI).

Texas Cop Claims QI

A bad cop in Texas is trying to use qualified immunity (QI.) This time the victim of excessive force was Neco Bonham, a 20-year-old Black man.

Mother of Elijah McClain on Qualified Immunity

The New York Times recently published a new article on recent developments that suggest the Supreme Court may be open to trimming the qualified immunity doctrine that shields police officers from lawsuits.

New York Times on Qualified Immunity

The New York Times recently published a new article on recent developments that suggest the Supreme Court may be open to trimming the qualified immunity doctrine that shields police officers from lawsuits.

Latest QI News

Qualified immunity continues to make news nationwide. Here is the latest roundup.

QI Video: EQI NY

End Qualified Immunity New York (EQI NY) is a coalition of activists working in New York State and New York City to pass legislation that ends the legal doctrine of qualified immunity. Bushwick Youth Coalition (BYC) is a critical partner in the coalition to end qualified immunity both nationally and in New York.

Activists Ready for Chauvin Trial

Activists are ready for the trial of Derek Chauvin, the officer who killed George Floyd. The trial starts on Monday March 8th. Activists gathered across the country from Massachusetts to Washington to Georgia and back to Minnesota where the trial will take place.

Floyd Family’s Lawyer on Face the Nation

Benjamin Crump, a Civil Rights Attorney for the family of George Floyd, recently appeared on Face The Nation with host Margaret Brennan to discuss the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act

PBS News Hour on George Floyd Act

PBS News Hour takes a look at the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives on March 3, now heads to the Senate for debate.

QI Video: NIP

The National Immigration Project, NIP, is an important partner in the coalition to end qualified immunity.

CTEQI in Forbes

The Campaign to End Qualified Immunity (CTEQI) was featured in Forbes! In connection to the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, CTEQI shone as an example of the movement building behind ending qualified immunity.

QI Video: Former Cop

As a former cop, Randy Shrewsberry of the Institute for Criminal Justice Reform has direct experience with policing and qualified immunity.

House Passed Police Reform Bill

Late on March 3rd, the House of Representatives passed a police reform package. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, passed by the House, would end qualified immunity if signed into law.

Ben and Jerry Support HB 4

Ben and Jerry continue their national advocacy for qualified immunity with support for HB 4, the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.

White House Supports George Floyd Bill

The White House officially supports the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, NBC reports.

John Oliver on Qualified Immunity

John Oliver delivered a biting primer on the “dire consequences” of police raids, particularly in light of Breonna Taylor’s death.

Ending Qualified Immunity Act Reintroduced

Representative Ayanna Pressley, along with Senate cosponsors Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Ed Markey, will reintroduce the Ending Qualified Immunity Act

Support for HB 4

HB 4, the New Mexico Civil Rights Act, is on its way to the Senate Judiciary Committee, writes the NM Political Report.

Volunteer to help end qualified immunity
End QI Nationwide

All across the country, nationwide measures to end qualified immunity are gaining traction.

Brownback v. King Update

Even though the Supreme Court ruled against James King in the Supreme Court case of Brownback v. King, the Michigan man who sued the federal government after he was assaulted by a detective and an FBI agent, the case is not fully closed.

House Dems Reintroduce George Floyd Act

CNN reports that House Democrats have reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Ben & Jerry on The Mehdi Hasan Show

Campaign To End Qualified Immunity Co-Chairs Ben Cohen And Jerry Greenfield recently appeared on The Mehdi Hasan Show to discuss the qualified immunity doctrine and how the Campaign could turn protest into policy.

The Derek Chauvin Trial and Qualified Immunity

The Chicago Sun-Times published a piece about the role qualified immunity will play in the upcoming trial of Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd.

No Charges for Cops Who Killed Daniel Prude

None of the seven officers involved in the death of Daniel Prude were indicted. Qualified immunity is now another barrier to justice for Daniel’s family.

NYT: QI at the Center of Debate Over Policing

The New York Times recently published a piece that explores how qualified immunity has come under renewed scrutiny in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

SCOTUS Throws Out Qualified Immunity Ruling

The Supreme Court threw out a lower court’s ruling that had granted qualified immunity to a corrections officer accused of brutalizing an inmate during an unprovoked attack, reports KFGO Texas.

Vietnam Vet Assaulted in VA Hospital Takes His Case to the Supreme Court

In 2016, Jose Oliva, a Vietnam vet and retired law enforcement agent, arrived for a dentist appointment at his local VA hospital.

Ben & Jerry Hit C-Span to Discuss QI

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield recently sat down with C-Span’s Pedro Echevarria on his program, The Washington Journal.

Ben & Jerry on The Tim Black Show

Campaign to End Qualified Immunity co-chairs Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield recently appeared on The Tim Black Show to discuss qualified immunity

Qualified Immunity: Old News in New Mexico?

HB 4, the New Mexico Civil Rights Act, passed the New Mexico House of Representatives Thursday 39 to 29 after a three-hour debate on the House floor, getting qualified immunity one step closer to being old news in new Mexico.

Ben & Jerry Talk Business and Justice to Yahoo! Money

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, co-founders of Ben & Jerry’s and co-chairs of The Campaign to End Qualified Immunity recently appeared on Yahoo! Money

Maryland Delegate Introduces Bill to End Qualified Immunity

Maryland Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins introduced a bill that would end qualified immunity for police who break the law while on the job,

Family of Georgia Man Killed In Police Custody Call for Justice, an End to QI

The family of Hector Arreola, who died under police custody in January 2017, released a four-minute video reenactment of Hector’s death, along with audio of Hector’s 911 call, during a press conference in Columbus, Georgia, on Friday, in hopes of bringing renewed attention to their case.

Jerry Greenfield on How Qualified Immunity Stifles Police Accountability

Campaign To End Qualified Immunity Co-Chair Jerry Greenfield recently appeared on Between The Lines to discuss qualified immunity and how the legal doctrine stifles accountability for bad police officers.

Ending Qualified Immunity in New York City Is a “No-Brainer,” Says Council Speaker Corey Johnson

New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson voiced his support of a package the Council introduced that contains 11 bills—including one to end qualified immunity—that aims to “change the footprint of policing in New York City”

Ben And Jerry Discuss Qualified Immunity On The Cato Daily Podcast

Campaign To End Qualified Immunity Co-Chairs Ben Cohen And Jerry Greenfield recently appeared on the CATO Daily Podcast to discuss the qualified immunity doctrine.

In Massachusetts and Virginia, Activists Continue the Fight to End Qualified Immunity

In Massachusetts and Virginia, two of the states that have passed police reform bills since the death of George Floyd in 2020, activists are refusing to settle for bills that cut out key reforms like ending qualified immunity. 

Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Discusses Campaign to End Qualified Immunity on Rising Up with Sonali

Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, recently appeared on Rising Up with Sonali to discuss the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity

MSNBC: Co-Chairs Ben & Jerry Discuss the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity

Campaign To End Qualified Immunity Co-Chairs Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield recently appeared on MSNBC to discuss the importance of ending the qualified immunity doctrine and holding police officers accountable to the law.

Campaign To End Qualified Immunity Co-Chairs Ben Cohen And Jerry Greenfield Featured In Upworthy

Upworthy recently published a new piece on the Campaign To End Qualified Immunity featuring Campaign Co-Chairs Ben Cohen And Jerry Greenfield.

Campaign To End Qualified Immunity Co-Chair Ben Cohen Authors New Op-Ed on How Ending QI Would Improve Policing

USA Today recently published a new op-ed by Campaign To End Qualified Immunity Co-Chair Ben Cohen on how ending qualified immunity would increase accountability and improve policing in communities across the country.

Campaign To End Qualified Immunity Co-Chairs Ben Cohen And Jerry Greenfield Featured in New CNN Business Article

CNN Business recently published a new article on the Campaign To End Qualified Immunity featuring Co-Chairs Ben Cohen And Jerry Greenfield. Journalist Chauncey Alcorn reported…

CTEQI in Reason

A recent piece looks at a state-mandated report on Connecticut’s attempts to curb QI. The conclusion? The proposed reforms are unlikely to impact municipal insurance costs.

In Texas, Illinois, New York, Georgia and California, state and local police reform bills could end qualified immunity

The new year brings the start of new legislative sessions. Across the country, states are taking up legislation to end qualified immunity. In Texas, Illinois, New York…

Reuters Series Offers Deep Dive Into QI

In Shielded, Reuters provides an eye-opening look at qualified immunity. This multipart investigation explores how “the criticism that qualified immunity denies justice to victims of police brutality is well-founded.”

SCOTUS Sides with Victim in Rare QI Decision

For the first time in 16 years, the Supreme Court issued a qualified immunity decision in which it held that the defendants’ actions violated “clearly established law.”

NPR
Judge Reluctantly Handed Cop QI

In a recent case, Judge Carleton Reeves concluded that Nick McClendon, a white Mississippi officer, was entitled to QI after pulling over and harassing Clarence Jamison, a Black man.

Qualified immunity reform in Connecticut

HB 6004, a qualified immunity reform in Connecticut signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont that will improve police accountability.

Public Supports Ending QI

The Pew Research Center has released compelling data regarding public opinion on the qualified immunity doctrine.

Business Leaders Ending QI

Business leaders are out front on ending qualified immunity (QI.) Common Dreams announces: Ben & Jerry’s Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have teamed up with the American Sustainable Business Council…

Rolling Stone
Artists Support Ending QI

More than 450 performing artists released an open letter to Congress in support of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill that names ending qualified immunity (QI) in its mandate. The sweeping police-reform bill targets no-knock warrants and chokeholds in addition to QI.

Colorado Ends Qualified Immunity, Makes History

In a landmark move, Colorado became the first state in the union to strike down qualified immunity.

The Athletes Ending QI

CNN reports: More than 1,000 pro athletes have created a coalition and signed a letter to Congress. In this letter, the athletes state their support for ending qualified immunity (QI.)

Law Professors Letter to Congress: End Qualified Immunity

300 law professors signed onto a letter urging Congress to abolish qualified immunity.