Ava DuVernay’s Documentary Explores the 14th Amendment

Ava DuVernay announced she has created a documentary for Netflix on the 14th Amendment. This amendment granted rights and freedom to formerly enslaved individuals following the Civil War. Recently, it has faced legal challenges from President Donald Trump. Netflix confirmed it will release the documentary, titled “14th,” later this year.

DuVernay is known for her work on “Selma” and “Origin.” She returns to nonfiction with this project, following her 2016 film “13th,” which explored the implications of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery.

The 14th Amendment has been a focal point for Trump. He attempted to restrict birthright citizenship, a right protected by the amendment, through an executive order on the first day of his second term. This order was overturned by the Supreme Court in June with a 6-3 vote.

Ratified in 1868 during Reconstruction, the 14th Amendment states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” This overturned the 1857 Supreme Court decision Dred Scott v. Sandford, which declared that descendants of enslaved individuals could not be citizens.

DuVernay’s film aims to highlight how the 14th Amendment has become a “permanent argument.” It will feature input from politicians, historians, and cultural voices. DuVernay expressed that while “13th” questioned who is imprisoned, “14th” will question who is acknowledged in society. She stated the documentary examines the current state of the country and our beliefs concerning freedom.

Chief Justice John Roberts, in writing for the Supreme Court, affirmed the amendment’s protections, which ensure citizenship for those born in the U.S., with few exceptions. Roberts emphasized the importance of citizenship as the right to be part of the political community, referencing the intentions of the Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Trump has promised to challenge the Supreme Court’s decision. He commented on Truth Social regarding the ruling, calling it a threat to America’s future.