RFP Staff
♦ Yesterday the Rowan Free Press learned of yet another rules change in the permitting process for public demonstrations in Salisbury, N.C. Word out now is that Salisbury Police Chief Rory Collins says there are new rules for public demonstrations in Salisbury. The latest guidelines target the Confederate Monument on West Innes Street and Church. Are these new rules legal? Just? Or are they a very loud call for civil disobedience?
The Latest Rules:
• All future group demonstrations will require permits from the Salisbury Police Department.
• Even with a permit no person will be allowed to stand in any portion of the roadway or median, nor will be they allowed to be on or near the Confederate Monument which sits on an NCDOT “right-of-way”.
• Furthermore, the posting of flags, signs, or symbols at or near these areas will not be permitted.
The Police Department says it takes seriously the preservation of First Amendment Rights for all individuals and will always protect the individual rights of all citizens. The permitting process ensures that people exercise their rights in a safe and legal manner.
These latest rules for public demonstrations may serve to work in reverse and become a very loud outcry for civil disobedience.
