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John, our right to protest is under threat. 

It’s been nearly two years since millions of people around the world took
to the streets in historic numbers for what became the longest, largest,
and most sustained movement to stand up for Black lives.^1 Our persistent,
loud, and clear voices, as well as organizing efforts were instrumental in
obtaining a modicum of accountability for George Floyd. 

Since then there have been over 100 anti-protest bills proposed across the
country! Thirteen of those bills have been passed,^2 and in 2022 already,
several bills have been newly introduced or re-introduced.^3 

Some of the anti-protest laws proposed and passed actually grant immunity
to drivers who run into protesters with their cars or use force against a
protester like Kyle Rittenhouse did! This is reminiscent of
state-sanctioned white mob violence of the post-Reconstruction era. 

But John, we cannot be stopped and we cannot be silenced. From
the March on Washington to the Black Lives Matter movement, civil unrest
and protest are essential tools for our freedom and we will fight to
protect them.

[ [link removed]- ]Join us in demanding the Department of Justice defends our
Constitutional right to protest. 

[ [link removed]- ]sign the petition 

John, these laws, often backed by organizations affiliated with
police unions, are an attempt to criminalize free speech, punish those who
speak up for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities,
and offer specific protections for counter-protesters who harm us.^4 In
fact, police unions have advocated for anti-protest bills in 14 states,
and bills proposed in at least 9 states include sponsorship from current
or former law enforcement officers.^5 

Here’s just a sampling of some of what we’re up against: 

* Several laws include provisions that would strip people of public
benefits, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) and unemployment benefits, if they are convicted.^6 These laws
are trying to punish people by taking away their ability to feed and
house their families!  

* A Tennessee law would make it a felony for demonstrators to camp at
the state Capitol. The result? People would lose their right to
vote.^7 
* In Florida, Oklahoma, and Iowa, laws grant immunity to drivers who run
into protesters with their cars.^8 
* A proposed bill in Indiana would ban anyone who was convicted from
getting a state job or running for elected office.^9 
* And laws in states like Georgia include provisions that would create
civil immunity for a “volunteer” who uses or threatens to use force
against a protester. This is of extra concern following the Kyle
Rittenhouse not guilty verdict, which has already emboldened others to
violate protestors with impunity. 

John, the Department of Justice has the power to make an impact
by condemning these laws and supporting legal and advocacy efforts to
fight them. 

[ [link removed]- ]demand the doj defend our right to protest!

John, many of these anti-protest laws also undermine our
collective struggle for Black freedom by denying bail to those arrested
until their first court appearance. This ensures more of our people are in
jail. 

As history has shown us, where racial justice protests flourish,
anti-protest laws follow.^10

It’s time we break the cycle of silencing and criminalization by demanding
the Department of Justice fight for our right to protest. 

[ [link removed]- ]It is our right to protest racial injustice!

Until Justice is Real,

Scott, Rashad, Arisha, Malachi, Megan, Ernie, Palika, Ariel, Madison,
Trevor, Erick, Ana, Kristiana, McKayla and the Color Of Change team 

 

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