After the initial police investigation, five suspects were arrested but not convicted. A public inquiry into the handling of Stephen’s case was held in 1998, leading to the publication of the Macpherson Report, which has been called ‘one of the most important moments in the modern history of criminal justice in Britain’.
It led to profound cultural changes in attitudes to racism, to the law and to police practice. It also paved the way for a greater understanding of discrimination of all forms and new legislation on equality. Justice for Stephen is about all of us in a society having justice. There are still too many young people who do not have a sense of hope, who just don’t get the chance to live their dreams. We need to keep building hope but there is more to do.
It is important for us as a school to commemorate Stephen Lawrence Day every year. Rich posed the following questions at Morning Talk: “What do you think are the root causes of racial injustice?” “How can individuals and communities work together to promote equity and tolerance?” and “What role do you think young people can play in creating a more just and inclusive society?”
He left the final words to Neville Lawrence, Stephen’s father:
“My family has spent 30 years campaigning for the same cause, so that other families don’t have to suffer what we have. What has become abundantly clear in the years since his death is that systemic racism is still deeply rooted in the places that are meant to protect us. But what has changed is young people’s attitudes, and that gives me hope. I have spent a lot of time in schools, and I feel that younger generations today are more accepting of multiculturalism and integration than they were 30 years ago.”