In response to several recent controversial incidents involving free speech, protests and law enforcement, the local chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union, along with some 20 other groups, are sponsoring a forum on “How to Exercise Your Right to Dissent.” “We’ve had a rash of incidents lately, from the Sheriff’s deputy arresting the Kuhns […]
Tag: civil liberties
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Signed off
The Aug. 15 arrest of Jonas Phillips on charges of obstructing a sidewalk has local activists up in arms. Phillips was taken into custody after displaying a 5-by-1-foot sign reading “IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY” on the Haywood Road/Interstate 240 overpass. Freeway blogging: Jonas Phillips holds another sign on the Flint Street overpass, several days after his arrest. […]
Group to push for Citizens’ Police Review Board
A diverse group of citizens, concerned about several recent incidents involving law enforcement and activists, has decided to push for a citizens’ review board on the Asheville Police Department, as well as increased pressure on city, county and state officials to protect civil rights and more of a citizen presence at demonstrations throughout the city. […]
Flag fight
The July 25 arrest of a West Asheville couple for desecrating the flag has sparked a storm of controversy, including doubts about the constitutionality of the rarely enforced state statute. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the handling of the matter, and Sheriff Van Duncan has expressed regrets about the incident, telling Mountain Xpress […]
ACLU sues city over We Are One America march
The price of a parade: The city of Asheville charged the organizers of this May 1 rally $1,500 in fees — a sum challenged in a new federal lawsuit. The American Civil Liberties Union is going head to head with the city of Asheville in a dispute over parade permit fees. The ACLU maintains that […]
Positives and negatives
T.C. Roberson High School plans to continue its drug-testing program for a second year. So far, however, no other Buncombe County school is following suit. Roberson implemented a pilot program last year that randomly tested students involved in extracurricular activities. Constitutional issues prohibit mandatory testing of the entire student body, because they are required by […]
A knock on the door
“It takes courage for individuals to come forward in situations like this, and I urge anyone with information that may be useful and helpful to authorities to use this opportunity.” U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft,Sept. 11, 2001 Squeaky’s Convenience Store in downtown Black Mountain has a flag in its front window and little flags on […]