ACLU of Massachusetts statement on arrests of demonstrators on Massachusetts campuses
Demonstrators at Northeastern University were arrested today, just days after student demonstrators were arrested at Emerson College.
The American Civil Liberties Union has media staff available to handle inquiries from journalists on issues affecting civil liberties, including questions on legislative matters that touch on civil liberties and constitutional freedoms and inquiries related to ACLU lawsuits.
Reporters with questions about ACLU work, please contact media@aclum.org.
Demonstrators at Northeastern University were arrested today, just days after student demonstrators were arrested at Emerson College.
Protest is a central part of Boston’s history, including political expression at local colleges and universities. There is a distinction between removing encampments to ensure safe access to a public right of way and using physical violence against students engaged in peaceful expression.
In a democracy, it’s essential that universities remain a marketplace of ideas and expression – where viewpoints are explored and debate is encouraged.
The endorsing labor unions include 1199SEIU, SEIU Local 509, and CIR/SEIU — representing more than 100,000 Massachusetts health care workers, human service workers and educators, and interns and resident physicians.
Tens of thousands of people in Massachusetts will now get a second chance, and will face fewer barriers to housing, jobs, education, student loans, and stability.
Accessibility makes our democracy stronger, and we can’t afford to close the door on people who previously faced barriers to exclusively in-person meetings.