Should I assemble?
Are our First Amendment freedoms absolute or are there limits? Use the Assembly Assessment infographic to explore this freedom before deciding what you would do in the case study below.
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Imagine this:
A group has organized an informal gathering at city hall to give citizens a chance to share their thoughts and concerns around your town’s response to COVID-19. Organizers have instructed anyone who wishes to participate to either remain in their vehicles or to practice all social distancing requirements that are in place but have no means to enforce this. The mayor has released a statement discouraging people from gathering saying “I hope people choose to stay home and follow all CDC recommended guidelines. It’s not about infringing on your rights but about the right of the community to not get sick.”
You also hear that a small group of healthcare professionals have planned a counter protest encouraging the assembled to go home. You would like to participate but are hesitant to join, fearful that law enforcement may have the power to issue fines and unsure of how freedom of assembly works in situations like this. What do you do? If you need further guidance, use the Assembly Assessment Infographic to help you make your decision.
- I would attend. The group will do its best to follow all social distancing guidelines but, if this proves impossible, I will still participate. It is important to make my voice heard on matters like this.
- I would attend if, and only if, the assembly follows social distancing guidelines. This seems like a reasonable balance between safety and the right to assemble.
- I would reach out to the organizers to see if there is an alternative way to participate such as a digital option. I’m concerned about the risk of spreading a harmful virus to others in a gathered crowd but wish to express my concerns.
- Something else. Explain.
What does the First Amendment say about assembly? Dive deeper in this column by Gene Policinski.
