The City of Decatur’s Communication Officer Casie Yoder released this statement from the city this afternoon …
The City of Decatur has intentionally created an attractive, accessible and safe environment for public life. This combined with the city’s role as the county seat of DeKalb County means people gather here all the time, whether for a festival, to enjoy the nice weather or to demonstrate about an issue they feel passionately about. We are viewed as the civic heart of the county and this creates the challenge of democracy in Decatur. Over the past few weeks there have been several protests in and around the Square on both public and private property.
“Our police officers have responded appropriately and professionally by instructing participants that they cannot protest on private property without permission from the owner,” stated Mayor Jim Baskett. “They can protest on public sidewalks as long as they do not obstruct others from using the sidewalks and if they want to have a parade they would need to secure a permit. In the future we would hope that if these individuals are interested in making a statement to DeKalb County that they would choose a venue more closely associated with the county that would allow their voices to be heard by those they are trying to reach.”
Decatur is committed to civic space and public discourse. Civic space is a crucial component of any community, including ours. Peaceful gatherings play a valuable role in our society and will continue to be treated with respect by city staff and the Decatur Police Department.
Police Chief Mike Booker confirmed that, “The Decatur Police Department respects and acknowledges the individual right of every person in this country to assemble peaceably in public. Every Decatur officer is trained to respond to protests and protestors respectfully and professionally. This department will continue to uphold the highest standards when balancing protestors’ constitutional rights with the rights of others who may be impacted.”
DM, did you inadvertently omit part of the statement? Otherwise thats a while lotta words to say nothing.
I am beginning to feel a little spooked by how often you and I agree these days.
What would you have said?
In an effort to not stir the pot this fine evening, let’s just say I would have worded it more strongly.
But, I don’t see the point in that particular press release. If that is all you are going to say, why bother?
the main point was to distinguish between legal public protests and illegal ones on private property.
simply serving notice so no one gets their nose bent out of shape by feeling rights that never existed were violated.
Do the protest organizers believe they’re not breaking the law? Say what you will about the wisdom or efficacy of the protests on private property, but to me they seemed to have sprung from a tradition of purposeful civil disobedience.
I think it also serves as a reminder that the city is the county seat and even though the local incident protested was not within the city limits, it did occur within the county. There were some who voiced not understanding why the protest against actions by county police happened where city police were in charge.
yes, they are an echo of the lunch counter sit-ins from the 60s, though the reality of the issue they’re protesting is a bit more complicated in 2015 Decatur vs. 1960 Birmingham.
personally, the disproportionate mistreatment of African American men by police officers, and the justice system at large pisses me off, and i’ve used part of that anger to motivate my work with the Georgia Innocence Project. on the other hand, i also get pissed at the casual attitude toward crime too many young black men have, leading to their interactions with the police in the first place.
” i also get pissed at the casual attitude toward crime too many young black men have, leading to their interactions with the police in the first place.”
Like the suspect at the Murder Kroger, who had at least 19 arrests in the past 7 years?
That is a disproportionate and inappropriate leap from Rick’s comment.
It basically serves notice on those folks who want to continue protests this weekend. Do it on private property and refuse to leave, your butt is going to find out what the new DPD station looks like.
Tough crowd around here.
FWIW, I thought the statement was calm and even-handed, two things I like.
It clarified citizens’ rights as well as our duties.
I’m on board with the brunch protests, personally. We live in an incredibly privileged enclave here in Decatur, and occasionally we need to be shaken out of our complacency.
There is a right to dissent, and a right to protest. There is not a right to not be inconvenienced. (and yes, there’s a right to private property, but this is part and parcel of the mess that comes with living in a civil society.)