This petition is deeply personal to me due to the systemic racism that has forced Black children, like Maurnice DeClue, into adult roles before they are adults. This phenomenon, known as adultification, is a grave injustice that needs to be addressed.

Maurnice DeClue is an honor roll student who was provoked and found herself in a situation where she had to defend herself. Despite her age and circumstances, she can possibly face charges as an adult - a consequence that could drastically alter the course of her life.

According to research conducted by Georgetown Law's Center on Poverty and Inequality (2017), black girls are perceived as more adult-like than their white peers of the same age - leading them to face harsher penalties when it comes to disciplinary action in schools or within the justice system. This bias extends towards black boys too.

We cannot allow this unjust treatment of our children based on race and perception continue unchecked. We must stand up for Maurnice DeClue and all other young people who find themselves unfairly thrust into adulthood due to systemic racism.

Please sign this petition urging authorities not to charge Maurnice DeClue as an adult for acting in self-defense. Let us demand justice for all our children who have been prematurely forced into adulthood by societal biases.