HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 116-R-25, a Resolution Protecting the Right to Protest and Facilitating Safe and Peaceful Assembly
11/24/2025
116-R-25
A RESOLUTION
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO PROTEST AND FACILITATING SAFE AND
PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston has long been a center of civic action, including
recent political protests against the ongoing occupation of our City by federal agents
under “Operation Midway Blitz”; and
WHEREAS, peaceful protest is not a threat to public safety, but rather an
essential expression of democracy and a catalyst for social change; and
WHEREAS, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I
of the Illinois Constitution protect the rights of the people to petition their government, to
peaceably assemble, and to speak freely without interference or retaliation; and
WHEREAS, protesters in Evanston and in the Chicagoland area have reported
that federal agents have recently engaged in efforts to chill or restrict protest activity;
and
WHEREAS, interference with the right to protest undermines fundamental rights
and risks silencing communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston affirms that protest and dissent are essential to
public safety, democracy, and civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, the Evanston Police Department (“EPD”) possesses the resources,
training, and professional expertise necessary to safeguard the exercise of First
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Amendment freedoms within our city, consistent with principles of community safety,
accountability, and respect for civil liberties; and
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston and EPD have demonstrated that Evanston
can safely and peacefully manage protest activity, including the recent “No Kings”
protests, and these events demonstrate that local leadership is best equipped to both
safeguard free expression and protect public safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
SECTION 1: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are found as fact and
incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2: MANAGEMENT OF FIRST AMENDMENT ASSEMBLIES.
During a First Amendment assembly, if EPD or assembly leaders determine that, due to
directives or actions from representatives of the federal government, the assembly
cannot continue at the original site, EPD will attempt to collaborate with assembly
leaders to develop a mutually acceptable plan for the lawful expression of First
Amendment rights. Any such plan may include, but is not limited to, an alternative
location for the First Amendment assembly and will account for the assembled
individuals’ constitutional rights under the First Amendment and reasonable time, place,
and manner restrictions, including the need to maintain public safety.
Nothing in this Resolution is intended to supersede or conflict with applicable
provisions of the Evanston City Code governing public parades or assemblies, and this
resolution shall be construed consistently with those provisions. Nothing in this
resolution is intended to supersede or conflict with EPD’s First Amendment Assemblies
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policy or any other applicable EPD policies.
SECTION 3: EVANSTON IS A WELCOMING CITY. EPD will implement
this resolution in accordance with applicable EPD policies; the Welcoming City
Ordinance, Title 1, Chapter 22; the Illinois TRUST Act, 5 ILCS 805/1 et seq.; and the
Illinois VOICES Act, 5 ILCS 825/1 et seq.
SECTION 4. COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE. This Resolution reaffirms
the City’s commitment to ensuring that public protest remains a vital and protected part
of our civic life.
SECTION 5: This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after
its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
_______________________________
Daniel Biss, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk
Approved as to form:
______________________________
Alexandra B. Ruggie, Corporation Counsel
Adopted: ______________________, 2025
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November 24