Protest organizers respond, defend right to speak out against Trump

Cleveland, OH – Organizers of the major ‘Stop Trump’ protest, set for July 18, the opening day of the Republican National Convention, received word from City officials July 1 that the applications for a rally and march had been rejected.

Tom Burke, of the Coalition to Stop Trump and March on the RNC stated, “We put in for permits more than a month ago, and worked with City staff to make sure they had all the information they needed, now less than three weeks out from the first day of the RNC, we are told that our permits are denied. This is unacceptable. We have a right to protest Trump and his reactionary agenda in the streets of Cleveland.”

The communication rejecting the permit application came from Mike McGrath, head of Cleveland’s Department of Public Safety.

Mick Kelly, also with the Coalition stated, “People are coming from around the country to protest Trump’s agenda of racist, anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim attacks. We are serious about wanting permits, but if we do not get them, we will still march on the RNC.”

The Coalition to Stop Trump and March on the RNC is planning a July 18 noontime rally at Cleveland Public Square, followed by a march down Ontario to the arena where the RNC is meeting.

More than 40 immigrant rights, student, anti-war, labor and low-income organizations have announced their support for the protest.

The demonstration will put forward the slogans “Dump Trump. Say no to the Republican agenda. Stand against racist, anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim attacks. We demand peace, justice and equality.”

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