To: the American Public
Berkeley Deserves Respect
We are residents of Berkeley, California. We support and defend all First Amendment rights of the U.S. Constitution, including free speech and the right to assemble peaceably in public places. We denounce the use of violence by individuals and groups who would deny anyone these First Amendment rights, as well as by those who profess to be defending such rights.
We believe that hate speech must be denounced and that people with differing views should engage one another in civil discourse characterized by open dialogue and reasoned arguments. As proud residents of a city known for its progressive values and policies, we object to Berkeley being labeled as intolerant due to the public actions of a few, most of whom do not live in our city.
We believe Berkeley deserves respect.
We believe that hate speech must be denounced and that people with differing views should engage one another in civil discourse characterized by open dialogue and reasoned arguments. As proud residents of a city known for its progressive values and policies, we object to Berkeley being labeled as intolerant due to the public actions of a few, most of whom do not live in our city.
We believe Berkeley deserves respect.
Why is this important?
This petition is to give voice to the people of Berkeley and to everyone supporting us--demanding an end to all hate speech and violence by out of town groups targeting our city's public spaces and commons for their platform. We object to Berkeley being used and labeled as intolerant due to the violent public actions of a few, most of whom do not live in our city.