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ACLU-VA Urges Removal Of Fencing Around Lee Monument

The ACLU of Virginia has significant concerns that the fencing erected around the Lee Monument grounds is unnecessarily infringing on the public’s First Amendment rights while these legal battles play out in the courtroom.

Published

6 years ago

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ACLU of Virginia released a statement today urging the removal of the fencing around Lee Monument.

“The ACLU of Virginia has significant concerns that the fencing erected around the Lee Monument grounds is unnecessarily infringing on the public’s First Amendment rights while these legal battles play out in the courtroom. The Lee Monument is a traditional public forum and access is protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The 4th Circuit has stated, ‘Traditional public forums—such as streets, sidewalks, and parks—have the characteristics of a public thoroughfare, a purpose that is compatible with expressive conduct, as well as a tradition and history of being used for expressive public conduct.'”

In its current state, the Lee Monument stands unaccessible to the public and incapable of serving as a public forum. What was once a place for gatherings, demonstrations and mutual aid sits roped off, awaiting a removal that has yet to be scheduled.

You can read the full letter and statement from ACLU-VA here.

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Richard Hayes is the co-founder of RVAHub. When he isn't rounding up neighborhood news, he's likely watching soccer or chasing down the latest and greatest board game.