Organizers of Boston ‘free speech’ rally are planning another one
The organizers of last month’s controversial free speech rally on Boston Common that set off a national media storm and prompted 40,000 counterprotesters are gearing up for another demonstration this fall.
The Boston Free Speech Coalition announced on its Facebook page this week that it will host another rally in November.
“Planning for November,’’ the post said. “More details within next couple weeks. . . . Stay tuned.’’
John Medlar, spokesman for the group, said the event’s theme will be “Defending Free Speech.’’
He told the Globe that the group — which is also called the New Free Speech Movement — intends to have one more rally, likely on the Common, before winter and has started the permitting process with the city. The coalition needs a permit from the Parks Department to hold a large-scale event in Boston Common.
Medlar, a student at Fitchburg State University, said the coalition has been reaching out to “civil liberties and patriot groups’’ to co-sponsor and provide speakers at the event, adding that the goal is to take “what we’ve learned from the first two rallies and build on our experience.’’
“Given how unfortunately partisan the issue of free speech seems to have become, we understand that it may be challenging to get the broadest range of speakers that we want,’’ said Medlar. “But this is all-the-more reason for us to promote free speech, because it should not be simply another partisan issue.’’
Tanisha Sullivan, president of the local branch of the NAACP, said her group would not participate if invited and noted that some of the group’s previous speakers — including those with known white nationalist ties — were not ones with which the NAACP would align.
“We absolutely support freedom of speech,’’ Sullivan said. “However, we are not going to amplify speech that will divide us rather than unite us. Our participation would help to legitimize a group that we believe is not reflective of racial justice values.’’
The Aug. 20 rally on Boston Common drew about 50 participants who were confronted with a massive demonstration against racism, anti-Semitism, and white supremacy. The rally organizers said they are promoting an open dialogue on key issues, but civil rights groups said the coalition was only giving a platform to people who espouse racial hatred and violence.
Opposition to the rally started to mount after a march in Charlottesville, Va., that had been organized by white nationalists descended into confrontation and clashes with protesters. One woman was killed after a car plowed into demonstrators, and two state troopers died while responding to the rally, authorities said.
Medlar and other organizers of the free speech rally said they denounce violence and had no involvement in the Charlottesville rally. Their rally ended after about 45 minutes, and attendees required police escort.
Thirty-three people were arrested at the rally, including a New York man who was wearing body armor and carrying a loaded handgun and four knives, police said.
