We, as faculty members, students and workers at the University of Chicago, are writing to express our support for the Occupy Chicago movement to hold peaceful and democratic assemblies in our public parks.
We endorse this movement's call to recognize and redress fundamental injustices in this country, including: the high and rising inequality of income and wealth; the lack of accountability on the part of the financial institutions that brought about the crisis of 2008; the undue political power of wealthy corporations and individuals; and the failure to tax corporations and the wealthy at fair rates in order to protect the jobs and living standards of millions of Americans. We recognize that as members of a privileged academic institution, we also share a role in confronting these injustices, whose elimination is a prerequisite not only for a just society but also for a well-functioning democracy.
On Saturday, October 15, our elected leaders used the Grant Park curfew as a pretext for suppressing the free speech rights of ordinary American citizens. Over 175 people were arrested, including numerous members of our university community. As members of the academy, we take free and open discourse, along with critical inquiry, to be fundamental to any healthy democratic society. Yet, the actions taken by the City of Chicago achieved exactly the opposite. As such, we write to condemn the actions taken by the city of Chicago.
We urge our elected officials to respect the free speech rights of participants in the Occupy Chicago movement and ask that they immediately work with them to hold their events at places and times of their choosing. We believe that the preservation of first amendment rights takes precedence over local statutes and bureaucratic practices in this case.
We also want to point out that other major cities, including Minneapolis and Dallas, have worked with local Occupy movements to find solutions that accommodate both the rights of the protestors and the responsibility of local government to ensure orderly conduct in public spaces. If the leaders of the City of Chicago wish to retain its good repute as America's "Second City", we believe it should follow the model set out by such cities.
Sincerely,
(In the comments field, please indicate how you are affiliated with the University of Chicago; e.g. "Professor of History", "Staff Member", "Undergraduate", "Graduate Student in Chemistry", "Alumna/Alumnus + Year")
Updates
October 20, 2011
The administration continues to ignore our requests for a conversation about the right to assemble in our own parks. I have spent the last few days meeting with organizers to coordinate our next steps because this movement is far from over.
October 20, 2011
Seeing this movement grow from a small group of colleagues into a citywide force has restored my faith in our community. I am moved by the students and faculty standing up for the right to speak out against injustice after the events at Grant Park.
Reached 100 supporters
October 20, 2011
6 Comments
Seriously? arresting peaceful protesters? get your priorities straight chicago.
the 1% has had enough fun. let the people speak.
They have every right to use the parks. Stop arresting people for sitting in public space! RIDICULOUS.
This is what democracy looks like. Leave them alone and let them assemble in peace.
Proud of my fellow students taking a stand. Keep going guys dont let them silence you
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We, as faculty members, students and workers at the University of Chicago, are writing to express our support for the Occupy Chicago movement to hold peaceful and democratic assemblies in our public parks.
We endorse this movement's call to recognize and redress fundamental injustices in this country, including: the high and rising inequality of income and wealth; the lack of accountability on the part of the financial institutions that brought about the crisis of 2008; the undue political power of wealthy corporations and individuals; and the failure to tax corporations and the wealthy at fair rates in order to protect the jobs and living standards of millions of Americans. We recognize that as members of a privileged academic institution, we also share a role in confronting these injustices, whose elimination is a prerequisite not only for a just society but also for a well-functioning democracy.
On Saturday, October 15, our elected leaders used the Grant Park curfew as a pretext for suppressing the free speech rights of ordinary American citizens. Over 175 people were arrested, including numerous members of our university community. As members of the academy, we take free and open discourse, along with critical inquiry, to be fundamental to any healthy democratic society. Yet, the actions taken by the City of Chicago achieved exactly the opposite. As such, we write to condemn the actions taken by the city of Chicago.
We urge our elected officials to respect the free speech rights of participants in the Occupy Chicago movement and ask that they immediately work with them to hold their events at places and times of their choosing. We believe that the preservation of first amendment rights takes precedence over local statutes and bureaucratic practices in this case.
We also want to point out that other major cities, including Minneapolis and Dallas, have worked with local Occupy movements to find solutions that accommodate both the rights of the protestors and the responsibility of local government to ensure orderly conduct in public spaces. If the leaders of the City of Chicago wish to retain its good repute as America's "Second City", we believe it should follow the model set out by such cities.
Sincerely,
(In the comments field, please indicate how you are affiliated with the University of Chicago; e.g. "Professor of History", "Staff Member", "Undergraduate", "Graduate Student in Chemistry", "Alumna/Alumnus + Year")
Updates
October 20, 2011
The administration continues to ignore our requests for a conversation about the right to assemble in our own parks. I have spent the last few days meeting with organizers to coordinate our next steps because this movement is far from over.
October 20, 2011
Seeing this movement grow from a small group of colleagues into a citywide force has restored my faith in our community. I am moved by the students and faculty standing up for the right to speak out against injustice after the events at Grant Park.
Reached 100 supporters
October 20, 2011
6 Comments
Finally people are standing up for change. Chicago needs this right now.
Seriously? arresting peaceful protesters? get your priorities straight chicago.
the 1% has had enough fun. let the people speak.
They have every right to use the parks. Stop arresting people for sitting in public space! RIDICULOUS.
This is what democracy looks like. Leave them alone and let them assemble in peace.
Proud of my fellow students taking a stand. Keep going guys dont let them silence you
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Finally people are standing up for change. Chicago needs this right now.