Sign Our Petition: Tell Congress, Protect the Right to Protest

TO: Members of Congress

To the Members of the United States Congress:

We, the undersigned, are writing to urgently demand your action to uphold and protect the fundamental First Amendment right to protest. This right is foundational to our democracy and critical for the expression of public will and the pursuit of our freedoms. 

1) The Increasing State Attacks of Peaceful Protest

Across the nation, we are witnessing an alarming increase in the state's crackdown on peaceful protests. From city streets to college campuses, peaceful demonstrators are met with disproportionate and often militarized responses. The right to assemble peacefully and express dissent is being undermined by excessive force and punitive measures aimed at deterring participation in protests. This escalation not only threatens our democratic processes but also intimidates individuals from exercising their constitutional rights.

2) Long-term Consequences of Suppressing Peaceful Protests

The trend of cracking down on peaceful protests poses a severe threat to the long-term health of our democracy. By equipping authorities with more tools to silence dissent, we risk creating a culture where the voices of the people are stifled. This not only contradicts the very principles upon which our nation was founded but also diminishes the avenues available for citizens to advocate for change. If left unchecked, these actions will erode public trust in governmental institutions and diminish the civic engagement that is so vital for a healthy democracy.

3) Upholding Free Speech While Condemning Harassment

While we defend the right to protest and express diverse viewpoints, it is crucial to differentiate these from acts of harassment or discrimination. True to our democratic principles, we assert that no viewpoint should be unfairly censored or punished, regardless of its popularity. However, targeting individuals with harassment based on race, ethnicity, or religion is unacceptable and undermines the very freedoms we strive to protect. Ensuring viewpoint neutrality while condemning harmful conduct maintains both the integrity of our discourse and democracy, and the safety of our communities. 

The Need for Congressional Action

In light of these concerns, we call on Congress to:

1. Enact legislation that explicitly protects the right to peaceful assembly and prohibits the excessive use of force by law enforcement during protests.
2.  Ensure that any actions taken by law enforcement during protests are transparent and accountable.
3. Reject any legislative efforts that aim to criminalize peaceful protest or impose undue restrictions on the ability to assemble.

The right to protest is not only a fundamental human right but a cornerstone of our democratic society. It allows for the expression of grievances and the demand for accountability from our leaders. Protecting this right is essential to ensuring that our nation remains a true democracy, responsive to the needs and voices of its people.

We condemn the violent reprisals against democratic protest on college campuses, just as we condemn antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hatred in all its forms. Discrimination against any minority group requires and feeds off of the repression of dissenting voices. We urge you to take immediate action to safeguard the rights of all Americans to peacefully assemble and express their views without fear of repression or retaliation.