FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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City of Summit Stirs Controversy by forcing Cancellation of Peaceful Protest, Alleged Infringement on First Amendment Rights
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Summit, NJ — June 18th, 2024 — Summit finds itself embroiled in controversy as it faces accusations of stifling free speech and infringing on First Amendment rights by leaving more than a dozen organizers with no option than to cancel a planned peaceful protest.
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The protest, organized by concerned citizens advocating for safe and sane gun laws, was slated to take place on June 7th on Summit’s Village Green. However, the city's authorities shocked demonstrators and organizers by imposing unrealistic challenges—challenges that have never been imposed on previous protests and rallies—ahead of the scheduled event.
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In response to this unprecedented move, civil rights activists have raised concerns about potential violations of the First Amendment, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech.
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"Freedom of speech and the right to peacefully assemble are foundational principles of our democracy," stated Maggie Savoca of OneNJ7. "Issuing never-before-seen hurdles that forced the cancellation of the protest sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the constitutional rights of citizens."
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The cancellation has sparked outrage among residents, who view it as an attempt by local officials to suppress dissenting voices and avoid public scrutiny. Many had been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights and raise awareness about how gun violence has changed the face of America.
"We were simply exercising our democratic right to peacefully assemble and express our concerns about the gun lobby," remarked Deborah Halpern, one of the residents who planned to attend. "The town's decision to interfere in a peaceful protest is deeply disappointing and raises serious questions about the state of free speech in Summit."
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“Various activist organizations have hosted a half dozen First Amendment demonstrations in Summit since 2016, and we never encountered any pushback from the city,” stated Jeff Naiman of Summit Area Indivisible.
“Following the Uvalde massacre, Brady, Moms Demand Action and others brought Attorney General Matt Platkin, Senator Joe Cryan and Congressman Tom Malinowski to Summit along with survivors, and we were welcomed by the city. This new attitude is beyond disappointing,” stated Carole Stiller, President of Brady NJ State Executive Committee who has more than 24 years of advocacy and organizing experience.
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Activists and concerned citizens are calling on the city of Summit to respect the constitutional rights of its residents and to return to the protocols of the former administration where peaceful protests were not discouraged but rather respected. Former Council members and the Mayor previously participated in remarks and the Chief of Police marched in solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters, demonstrating a powerful symbol of allyship and commitment to social justice.
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"This action is outrageous given we are already experiencing rapidly eroding rights from court rulings. Suppressing dissent is not only unconstitutional but undermines the democratic values that are the bedrock of our country. We urge city officials to return to upholding the principles of free speech and stop using red tape to block our right to expression," emphasized Allen Swanson, a long-time activist who has attended several rallies and protests in Summit over the last eight years and had planned to attend the June 7th event.
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As the controversy continues to unfold, the city seems to be doubling down on its stance, issuing a June 10th statement that fails to recognize that their actions have likely violated residents’ rights. All eyes are on Summit as we await their response to accusations of First Amendment infringement and refusal to uphold the rights of its citizens.
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