Host City for Football Title Game Often Draws Protesters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jose Medina, Media Coordinator, ACLU of Texas, (512) 478-7300 x 103 or (512) 483-1686; [email protected]
AUSTIN – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation of Texas has today made a Know Your Rights guide on free speech available to individuals who may plan to use this weekend's Super Bowl in Arlington as an opportunity to protest and exercise their rights under the U.S. and Texas Constitutions.
“We first and foremost want everyone to be safe and to enjoy themselves in and around one of our country's most iconic events,” said ACLU of Texas Executive Director Terri Burke. “For those who wish to protest in the vicinity of the stadium or in Arlington, we are making this valuable resource available as a reminder that they are free to do so as long as it is peaceful and within certain guidelines.”The Super Bowl each year draws thousands to the host city, some of whom go there to use their right to free speech by protesting near the stadium on a wide variety of topics with the hope of capitalizing on the vast media attention that has become common for the country's most-watched single sporting event.
“The First Amendment is very protective of the right of people to engage in several forms of peaceful protest and demonstration," said Manuel Quinto-Pozos, Staff Attorney at the ACLU Foundation of Texas. "This Know Your Rights manual provides a helpful introduction regarding people’s right to protest and how people can stand up for that right.”
The Know Your Rights information can be reviewed at aclutx.org/freespeech and includes a printable pamphlet that anyone is free to download and distribute. The pamphlet, which is not limited to the Super Bowl or to Arlington, may be used as a guide on free speech and the right to protest anywhere in Texas. However, the information is not legal advice; anyone who believes their rights may have been violated should contact a lawyer or the ACLU of Texas.
