Leonard Peltier is Finally Free!

On the day of remembrance of the great Dr. Martin Luther Jr., Leonard Peltier was granted clemency as a last move by outgoing president Joe Biden, before he stepped down. It is declared that Leonard will be back home in his family’s home on February 18th, 2025. Teacher Janelle Frese and Gilbert High School have received a special shout out from CITYarts, Inc. In their article for this announcement they said, “A special thank you goes to teacher Janelle Frese and her students at Gilbert High School, as well as teacher Kathy Durham and her students at West Wendover High School. Their letters, voices, and passion added fuel to this cause.” After so much work that last throughout two years, Gilbert high school was recognized for their fight against prejudice. It started with a petition signing to free Leonard Peltier, then to a Peace Mural in honor of his name, and lastly leading to his freedom!

As good as this news is, the fight to protect human rights is not over yet. The definition of clemency is to show mercy, but even after the judge that put Leonard Peltier away came cleaned and stated his regret, the idea of releasing a free man was never brought up. On June 1, 1977, Chief U.S. District Judge Paul Benson sentenced Peltier to two consecutive life terms, later in a jury trial at Fargo, North Dakota, with Judge Paul Benson presiding, Leonard Peltier was tried and convicted of the first degree murders of agents Coler and Williams.“The government’s case against Peltier was primarily composed of circumstantial evidence. Judge Benson disallowed most of the defense’s evidence and stated that it was unjust before his death.”

Unjust circumstances occur around the world all the time. Situations rise when we allow it to, letting turmoil boil up onto society makes hardships between everyone more frequent. The only way to stand against such prejudice is to face it head on. The idea of solving conflict with more conflict isn’t the correct way to deal with situations, due to it causing more malice. The way to solve world problems is to deal with it with kindness and love. The golden rule, do to others what you would have them do to you, is the solution to a lot of our problems. It is up to us to create change and to stand for this world. It is up to the future generation.