The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) was physically attacked and driven out of a protest in Ann Arbor, Michigan, organized by the Black People’s Union (BPU) against police violence. The SEP was present to distribute leaflets advocating for a socialist perspective on state violence, arguing that it is rooted in the class structure of society. They believe that fighting police brutality requires uniting the working class across racial lines and challenging the capitalist system.
The BPU accused the SEP of being a “white supremacist organization” and demanded they leave. Despite SEP members attempting to explain their position, BPU members physically assaulted them, tearing up their leaflets and banners. The SEP argues that this attack represents a dangerous turn towards racial nationalism and identity politics, obscuring the underlying class issues that contribute to police violence.
The SEP maintains that focusing solely on race hinders the development of a united working-class movement necessary to fight state violence and capitalism. They believe that the BPU’s actions are divisive and ultimately serve to protect the interests of the ruling class by preventing a unified working-class challenge to the system.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/06/17/sihn-j17.html