Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department released a joint statement regarding the planned protest at St. Louis University’s campus scheduled for this evening.
In the statement, they acknowledged the protest, stating, “The Jones Administration and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are aware of a protest planned on St. Louis University’s (SLU) campus this evening.” They also emphasized their commitment to upholding the right to peaceful assembly, with Mayor Jones and SLMPD stating, “Mayor Jones and SLMPD unequivocally express our support for the First Amendment right to assemble and engage in nonviolent protest.”
The collaboration between the Mayor’s administration, SLMPD, and SLU’s administration has been ongoing to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved in the protest. The statement highlighted that peaceful protests will not be met with force by SLMPD, as seen in previous peaceful protests in the city.
Stressing the importance of maintaining a safe environment, especially on private property like the SLU campus, the statement noted that SLMPD will work in conjunction with university leadership to uphold peace and address any potential issues that may arise during the protest.
The joint statement concluded by calling for a rejection of violence and fostering a conducive environment for dialogue and exchange of ideas, stating, “Peace will be met with peace.” It underscored the community’s capability to engage in respectful and productive conversations, even amidst challenging global events.
The Mayor’s administration and SLMPD’s proactive approach and commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful protest environment reflect their dedication to upholding civil liberties while prioritizing the safety of all individuals involved.
