The ACLU of Delaware has successfully expanded free speech protections in Wilmington after reaching an agreement with the Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC). This agreement comes after months of negotiations to modify policies that previously blocked the use of Tubman-Garrett Park for protest activities at the Riverfront.
Under the new agreement, anyone wishing to hold a public protest at the park can now fill out an exemption request form to waive the 45-day advance notice requirement and all fees. However, for events with more than 100 participants, both city and RDC permit requirements will still apply.
Dwayne Bensing, the legal director for the ACLU of Delaware, emphasized the importance of protecting fundamental free speech rights and expressed gratitude for the cooperative and reasonable approach taken by the RDC throughout the process. He urged the city to follow suit and ensure that citizens have proper access to public space for expressing their First Amendment rights.
The policy change stems from a situation in June 2023, where local community organizers were informed two days before a protest at the park that they had not submitted proper forms, deposits, and missed the 45-day notice requirement. The ACLU of Delaware’s efforts have now secured greater free speech protections for individuals and groups seeking to exercise their constitutional rights in public spaces in Wilmington.
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