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John, we're re-upping this campaign in your inbox because as
legislative sessions across the country come to an end, dangerous
anti-protest bills are still being introduced and passed every day!

This is our last chance till the fall to defend our right to protest
racial injustice. From the March on Washington to the Black Lives Matter
movement, protest is an essential tool for our freedom and we will fight
to protect it.

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

[ [link removed] ]protect protest now!

John, 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!^2 

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 how Kyle Rittenhouse did!^3 

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

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. 

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] ]take action now

Until Justice is Real,

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

 

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