The events in Ferguson, Mo., have rattled our nation. Americans have been engaged in an in-depth discussion on the issue of race in the United States.
Members of the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council have participated in the public debate in their own fashion, hanging signs that say “Hands Up ... Don’t Shoot!” at their seats. “Hands Up ... Don’t Shoot!” has been the rallying cry of Ferguson protests around the nation.
Now, is this a good expression of support for the cause? To be honest, I’m not sure. A resolution in support of different policies to oppose and prevent police brutality is an understandable course of action by a body such as the ?City-County Council.
However, the objective and idea behind hanging the signs is a good one. Bringing attention to areas of our culture and legal system that require improvement is always a noble cause. But not everyone agrees with this sentiment.
Republican councilman Jack Sandlin offered an ordinance banning the use of any signs, other than those placards with council members’ names, within the council chamber.
Sandlin claims that the signs were “disrespectful to police” and that several people found them “offensive.” The Council voted to defeat the ordinance with a record of 20-8. Though the ordinance failed, it brings into the public sphere a debate about free speech and its application to social protests and movements.
Here at IU, the Black Student Union held a protest of recent incidents where police officers killed men of color in blatantly illegal or unwarranted fashions.
Those who opposed the protest were allowed to ?oppose it.
However, they are not allowed to restrict protesters’ rights of free speech or peaceful assembly.
It appears that Councilman Sandlin is overly concerned about “offensive” protesting which many consider police brutality, never mind the fact that the signs were relatively small and hung by only five Democratic members of the Council.
The mere fact that they did not include offensive language or images that go against the code of the Council ought to be an indication that they are within the boundaries of ?respectful speech.
I personally do not believe that these signs were the best course of action, as there are more productive ways to bring attention to the issue of race relations in Indiana and the nation. However, I have to concede that discussion on the topic is important.
I also support the fact that signs are protected under the First Amendment and that Councilman Sandlin needs to accept that decorum and silence will not solve the issue of police brutality. Only by discussing the issue in public forums, such as Council chambers or legislatures, will we bring an end to ?violence.
Council members need to remember that openly discussing these topics with the goal of improving our nation is a sign of patriotism, not disrespect.
Otherwise, we will never see anything improve.
ajguenth@indiana.edu
