KANSAS CITY, Missouri (AP) – Police in Kansas City, Missouri, as part of a dispute settlement, agreed not to ban protesters from returning to the areas of the city where the protests took place, civil rights groups said Wednesday.
The Missouri ACLU and MacArthur Justice Center sued Kansas City, Missouri Police Commissioners last year, challenging an unconstitutional verbal banishment order.
“Now more than ever, we need to protect the right to protest against police assault and violence – especially when it comes to the police themselves,” said Amy Breihan, co-director of the MacArthur Justice Center.
Police spokeswoman Donna Drake said in a statement e-mailed that the department was “grateful to have had this opportunity to work with the ACLU on these important questions of the First Amendment.”
“Since the summer of 2020, we have continuously made adjustments and changes to accommodate our new First Amendment policy,” said Drake. “KCPD continues to work hard to uphold the rights of the First Amendment for the citizens of Kansas City.”
The lawsuit stems from protests against police brutality and racial injustice last year at Country Club Plaza, a popular dining and shopping district. About 100 people were arrested, including Theresa Taylor. When she was released on bail, the police told her that she would be arrested and held without bail if she returned to the plaza. City charges accusing Taylor of failing to comply with a police resolution was later dismissed.
The comparison also requires training on freedom of expression and anti-bias and de-escalation practices, as well as prohibiting officials from adding conditions to the release of bonds beyond those imposed by the court or prosecutor.
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