A California mother's harrowing experience with the justice system has cast a shadow on Vice President Kamala Harris's past policies.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Cheree Peoples, a single mother from Orange County, was arrested in 2013 as part of Harris's controversial "war on truancy" initiative during her tenure as California's attorney general.
Peoples's arrest stemmed from her 11-year-old daughter Shayla's numerous school absences. However, the situation was far more complex than it appeared on the surface. Shayla suffered from sickle cell anemia, a chronic blood disorder that caused her severe pain and required frequent medical treatments.
Peoples claims that despite providing medical documentation to explain her daughter's absences, she was still treated like a criminal. The arrest occurred when police arrived at her door, handcuffing her while she was still in her pajamas.
The mother of two recounts the shock of being perp-walked and jailed, with news cameras capturing the moment. She explains that her attempts to clarify the situation fell on deaf ears, with one officer reportedly telling her to "Go talk to Kamala Harris."
This incident was part of Harris's broader initiative to combat truancy in California schools. The policy threatened parents with criminal misdemeanor charges, including potential jail time and hefty fines, if their children missed a significant portion of classes.
The consequences of Peoples's arrest extended far beyond the initial shock. She reports losing her job and her home and living in motels for an extended period. The legal battle dragged on for over two years before the charges were finally dropped.
Shayla, now 22, recalls the trauma of seeing her mother's arrest on the news. She says:
I saw the picture of my mom in handcuffs and I was just completely in shock and confused. I felt like maybe if I wasn't sick or if I had just forced myself to go to school regardless of how bad my pain was, none of this would have happened. My mom did nothing wrong.
The experience had a lasting impact on both mother and daughter. Peoples believes the stress of the case exacerbated Shayla's condition, leading to a stroke that partially paralyzed her just weeks before the charges were dismissed.
Harris's truancy initiative has come under renewed scrutiny as she seeks higher office. During her 2020 presidential campaign, she characterized the policy as a mere deterrent, stating that no parents went to jail. However, Peoples's case seems to contradict this claim.
The story has gained traction through a new documentary, "Arrested by Kamala: A Black Mother's Story," which examines the impact of Harris's policy on low-income and minority families.
Shayla, now old enough to vote, says she wants an apology from Harris before considering supporting her politically. She argues that the Vice President should acknowledge the harm caused by her past policies.
Cheree Peoples's arrest in 2013 under Kamala Harris's truancy initiative has resurfaced as a point of controversy. The case highlights the unintended consequences of the policy on families dealing with chronic health issues. As Harris continues her political career, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between policy intentions and real-world impacts on vulnerable communities.
