First Amendment/Palestinian Solidarity Rally

As the organizers of this rally, we stand united in our commitment to fiercely defend the fundamental right of every American to free speech. We are deeply troubled by the ongoing efforts of Maryland State Legislators, the Attorney General, Universities, School Systems, and other entities to undermine this right. Their actions, characterized by a manipulative use of language, aim to instill fear and intimidation among those who dare to voice support for the oppressed.

The Middle East has been witness to unspeakable war crimes for the past 75 years, with the recent escalation of US-funded Israeli aggression highlighting the severity of the situation. The atrocities range from the inhumane treatment thru the colonization of Palestinian territories and the establishment of the abhorrent checkpoints, to the violent confiscation of Palestinian properties, targeted assassinations, in the Westbank, and the prolonged 17-year blockade and siege of Gaza. The increasing brazenness of these war crimes has led to the loss of thousands of innocent lives, including a staggering number of children, in what can only be described as a War on Children.

Amidst this turmoil, our local, state, and federal legislators have remained conspicuously silent. Rather than addressing these atrocities, they have chosen to silence those who criticize Israel. The recent retraction of a solidarity statement by CASA, under pressure, is a glaring example of this. CASA's initial statement expressed unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle for freedom, a stance that we firmly endorse.

The backlash against CASA's statement, along with the suspension of CAIR-MD’s Executive Director, Zainab Chaudry, from Maryland’s Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention, reflects a concerning trend. These actions demonstrate a concerted effort to stifle free speech, especially when it involves criticism of Israel. This trend is further evidenced by the suspension of a middle school teacher in Takoma Park and attempts by University Administrators at the University of Maryland and Towson University to censor student activism supportive of Palestine, often labeling it as “antisemitic.”

In light of these developments, we demand that our elected officials honor their oath of office by defending our right to free speech. Specifically, we call for:

• A resolution reaffirming the rights of every American to express themselves freely and without fear of retribution.

• The repeal of anti-BDS laws, on the grounds that they violate the First Amendment.

Furthermore, we urge our elected officials to take a firm stance against the ongoing atrocities in the Middle East by:

• Calling for an immediate ceasefire.

• Join Amnesty International, Humans Rights Watch, B’Tselem, and the Government of South Africa in officially recognizing Israel as an apartheid state.

• Advocating for the cessation of U.S. funding that contributes to these war crimes.

It is time for our leaders to stand on the right side of history and defend the principles of freedom and justice for all.

Groups (alphabetical order)

Baltimore City Green Party

Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition

Black Alliance for Peace

Baltimore Student Union

CAIR-MD

Communist Party's Baltimore Club

Friends of Latin America

Greater Baltimore Democratic Socialists of America

Jewish Voices for Peace - Baltimore

Maryland 2 Palestine

Maryland Green Party

Montgomery County Democratic Socialists of America

Muslims for Just Futures

Our Revolution Howard County

Party for Socialism and Liberation - Baltimore

Peace Action Montgomery County

Peoples Power Assembly

Progressive Democrats of Howard County

Schools Not Jails

Teachers Against Genocide

The All-African People’s Revolutionary Party

Towson University Young Democratic Socialists of America