According to Fox News Chicago, several aldermen in Chicago's City Council are calling upon their fellow members to approve a proposal that would quiet public participation during council meetings. The Chicago City Council normally allows crowds to view meetings, and it's not uncommon for the attending public to boo and cheer during discussions, as well as bring and display posters and signs. The proposal does not ban audiences all together and even suggests allowing signs as long as they are approved by Mayor Rahm Emanuel or the aldermen in charge the meeting.
With this proposal currently under consideration, here are some facts about it and recent instances in which crowds have actively protested city government meetings and proposals:
* The Chicago Tribune reported that the ban, which would forbid cheering, yelling, clapping, and other forms of verbal and disruptive displays approval or opposition, was proposed by Ald. Edward Burke (14th Ward), Ray Suarez (31st Ward), Richard Mell (33rd Ward), and Carrie Austin (34th Ward).
* Despite this possible new ban, demonstrators have not been given complete run at meetings and often individuals who constantly disrupt the floor are warned the first time and removed after the second offense.
* A statement made by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) criticizes the aldermen's push to quiet crowds, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
* Similarly, Mayor Emanuel has said very little on the manner, only emphasizing the importance of First Amendment rights but also focusing on the value of being able to conduct official city business without constant disruption.
* On Jan. 18, protestors gathered at a city council meeting to speak out against the decision to suppress crowds during the NATO/G8 summits that Chicago is set host this coming May, noted NBC Chicago.
* The protest drew around 80 and 100 people and ended in two individuals being removed from the hallway just outside the council chambers where the ordinances were being approved.
* Progress Illinois reported that at Mayor Emanuel's first budget town hall meeting, around 700 residents attended, leading to rowdiness, especially when the mayor discussed budget cuts that had to be made.
* Additionally, the town hall meeting brought about issues the city currently has, including unanswered 911 calls and the quality of public education, which brought about more shouts from the audience.
* CBS Local noted that in November, the proposed cuts to library hours and staff layoffs elicited protests from library workers, parents, and other supporters gathered at City Hall.
* Gathers of the protest expressed opposition to the cuts and the importance of keeping libraries open for the public.
Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
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