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LOCAL News :: Animal Rights
Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Author
- No Ringling Circus at George Mason University
Date Created
- 07 Apr 2008
Date Edited
- 07 Apr 2008 03:01:04 PM
License
This work is in the public domain
Animal Rights activists were harassed by campus police officers and Virginia state troopers over the weekend. Officers arbitrarily threatened arrest, stalked protesters, and continuously harassed them.
Click on image for a larger version
Animal rights activists at George Mason University protest in front of the building where the circus is being held. After this photo was taken, an activist was shoved into a police officer by a Ringling employee. The officer responded by threatening the activist because the activist stepped on her shoe after she was shoved.
Click on image for a larger version
George Mason University police officers followed activists throughout the day. At the end of the demonstrations on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, GMU police officers followed activists to their cars, which were parked on a private commercial lot across the street.
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus is at the Patriot Center until Sunday, April 13. Numerous individuals, including George Mason University students, have been demonstrating against Ringling Brothers. We are demonstrating against the company because of their documented history of animal abuse. Their policies, which enabled animal abuse, have not changed.
On Sunday, April 6, protesters were in front of the Patriot Center (where the circus is being held), standing on the sidewalk with signs and were chanting, when Virginia State Troopers and members of the GMU Police Department surrounded three activists by forming a tight circle around them, and threatening immediate arrest if they did not leave. When challenged on the legality of the officer's arguments for potential arrest, a GMU police lieutenant cut the activists off by screaming at them to leave immediately. There were at least 4-5 police officers for each activist standing at the Patriot Center. The activists were standing on public property without impeding individuals attending the circus.
The GMU police lieutenant claimed the activists were not legally allowed to wear masks covering their faces in public. When the activists offered to take off their masks, the lieutenant changed the subject by claiming he was the "caretaker" of public property and again threatened immediate arrest.
Please help animal rights activists at GMU during their struggle against Ringling Brothers. More incidents occurred. On Saturday, April 5, an activist with our group was shoved into a police officer by a Ringling employee. The officer responded by threatening the activist because the activist stepped on her shoe after she was shoved.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, GMU police officers took photos of activists, videotaped activists, and finally followed the animal rights activists to their cars after the demonstration. The vehicles were parked on a private commercial lot across the street. On Sunday, April 6, one activist was followed on Braddock Road by a marked GMU police car and was later followed by an unmarked vehicle.
We cannot continue this fight alone. Protesters in front of the Patriot Center were threatened by Ringling Brothers' employees, police officers, and ill-informed parents. Please help, immediately.
We have more demonstrations planned for Friday, April 11; Saturday, April 12; and Sunday, April 13. We will meet at the corner of Braddock Road and Roanoke River Road in Fairfax, VA. Please see the protest times at the bottom of this message.
Help is urgent and we cannot continue this alone. Activists feel intimidated and threatened from many sides. Help is needed.
Asking for your help,
Animal Rights Activists at George Mason University
--------------------------------------------
Upcoming Protests:
Friday Apr 11th -- 6:30-7:30pm
Saturday Apr 12th -- 2:30-3:30pm
Sunday Apr 13th -- 12:00-1:00pm
Meet at corner of Braddock Road and Roanoke River Road in Fairfax, VA
Getting to George Mason University Using Public Transit:
To get to George Mason University, take the Metro Orange Line to Vienna/Fairfax then take the CUE Bus (Gold 1,2; Green 1,2) to GMU. From there, walk south to the intersection of Braddock Road and Roanoke River Road.
George Mason University is located at 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22030
On Sunday, April 6, protesters were in front of the Patriot Center (where the circus is being held), standing on the sidewalk with signs and were chanting, when Virginia State Troopers and members of the GMU Police Department surrounded three activists by forming a tight circle around them, and threatening immediate arrest if they did not leave. When challenged on the legality of the officer's arguments for potential arrest, a GMU police lieutenant cut the activists off by screaming at them to leave immediately. There were at least 4-5 police officers for each activist standing at the Patriot Center. The activists were standing on public property without impeding individuals attending the circus.
The GMU police lieutenant claimed the activists were not legally allowed to wear masks covering their faces in public. When the activists offered to take off their masks, the lieutenant changed the subject by claiming he was the "caretaker" of public property and again threatened immediate arrest.
Please help animal rights activists at GMU during their struggle against Ringling Brothers. More incidents occurred. On Saturday, April 5, an activist with our group was shoved into a police officer by a Ringling employee. The officer responded by threatening the activist because the activist stepped on her shoe after she was shoved.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, GMU police officers took photos of activists, videotaped activists, and finally followed the animal rights activists to their cars after the demonstration. The vehicles were parked on a private commercial lot across the street. On Sunday, April 6, one activist was followed on Braddock Road by a marked GMU police car and was later followed by an unmarked vehicle.
We cannot continue this fight alone. Protesters in front of the Patriot Center were threatened by Ringling Brothers' employees, police officers, and ill-informed parents. Please help, immediately.
We have more demonstrations planned for Friday, April 11; Saturday, April 12; and Sunday, April 13. We will meet at the corner of Braddock Road and Roanoke River Road in Fairfax, VA. Please see the protest times at the bottom of this message.
Help is urgent and we cannot continue this alone. Activists feel intimidated and threatened from many sides. Help is needed.
Asking for your help,
Animal Rights Activists at George Mason University
--------------------------------------------
Upcoming Protests:
Friday Apr 11th -- 6:30-7:30pm
Saturday Apr 12th -- 2:30-3:30pm
Sunday Apr 13th -- 12:00-1:00pm
Meet at corner of Braddock Road and Roanoke River Road in Fairfax, VA
Getting to George Mason University Using Public Transit:
To get to George Mason University, take the Metro Orange Line to Vienna/Fairfax then take the CUE Bus (Gold 1,2; Green 1,2) to GMU. From there, walk south to the intersection of Braddock Road and Roanoke River Road.
George Mason University is located at 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22030
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Comments
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Re: Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Also, actions taken by GMU students at protests, even when those student activists were not violating law, have serious implications in the university setting. For example, students prior reported being punished through the university (academic probation/trespass warnings, etc.) for participation in non-violent, legal protests.
I suspect activists have a variety of reasons for wearing masks - this is one example.
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Re: Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Also, there is a important distinction between citizens harassing citizens and police officers harassing citizens. Police officers have a legal mandate to protect and restore public order - not be partial and select and choose who they harass. Officers needn't take any side - otherwise they are petty thugs.
Re: Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Re: Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
What IS trying to be dictated is preventing citizens' rights to free speech and assembly, which it appears you support.
I'm not sure why you are afraid of education or public debate and I'm sure if there was an issue you felt needed public airing, you would want the opportunity to be heard. In fact, I'd bet you'd make a great voice for the animals, who can't represent themselves, as you seem to have some misplaced passion over the issue!
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Re: Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
All the activists I personally know partake in legal animal advocacy and outreach and are against violence or illegal activities - and have desire to be arrested. And the last time I checked, protesting is a protected First Amendment right, and that individuals aren't guilty of crimes by association or by some prediction of potential future activity based on presumption.
The true crimes are being committed by animal enterprises against defenseless victims. Crimes that thankfully are being prosecuted against abusers of cats and dogs in this county. If Ringling and others did to dogs what they do to other animals not similarly protected, they would be arrested.
It was activists that changed the laws and perceptions for companion animals, and it will be activists who will change laws and perceptions for other animals abused by humans.
Re: Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
When you use effective methods of imposing a little pain back on those who are responsible for so much suffering(human OR otherwise), the bosses SCREAM! This is why arrests days or weeks after protests (which used to be unheard of) now occur in DC and the surrounding area. I personally know of at least three since Georgetown, and none since 1998 before then.
These arrests are as good reason to wear a mask as any. Also,if you are a student at a school sponsoring the target, WEAR YOUR MASK if you don't want to risk suspension or worse.
Again, the cops harass becauswe the bosses scream when we do things that work:
The bosses screamed to the Democrats (who sent saboteurs) when IMF protesters went to Georgetown-because these tactics WORK. When the Democrats could not stop us, the police engaged in petty retaliation against people involved in a secondary action.
The bosses scream for the cops when pharmaceutical bosses lobbies are invaded by people wielding nothing more than megaphones-because these tactics WORK. Again, this has led to arrests at later protests on bogus charges and police lies about earlier ones.
In Montgomery County,MD, the cops screamed "TERRORISM," and deployed a ton of cops when neighborhood women hugged trees on the ICC route to slow the bulldozers. That didn't lead to arrests, but was an outrageous insult to the community from the cops.
They scream "terrorism" even if people hold a quiet candlelight vigil at Negroponte's home or hug trees at the ICC, much less hold a masked-up demo outside a circus where people are easily convinced not to come back.
And when the home demos at condo buyers and other gentrifiers start up, they will REALLY SCREAM!!! Get your earplugs, and get ready...
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Re: Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
I have to ask was the filth in bags or did they just pick up dirt and hand it too the kids?
Re: Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Fliers on awareness of animal abuse is "filth" now?
What is "filth" is that skanky circus and anyone who is so selfish that see no problem with the torture of helpless beings for the over the priced amusement of spoiled suburban brats.
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
University official admits to "IGNORING" students' concerns
you think the university should do more to address student concerns
and protect our safety. More protests are happening this weekend and
arrests are being threatened; please urge the university to allow
protesters to continue to practice their right to protest peacefully
without facing police harassment.
Emails:
bgeisler (at) patriotcenter.com, datkins1 (at) gmu.edu, wclark2 (at) gmu.edu,
gtoney (at) gmu.edu, bcrandal (at) gmu.edu, clapaill (at) gmu.edu,
dkuebric (at) gmu.edu , shubler (at) gmu.edu, eic (at) broadsideonline.com,
opinion (at) broadsideonline.com, ashelnut (at) gmu.edu
Below you can read recent email interaction between employees at
University Services discussing how they have "IGNORED" students'
concerns.
------------------
From: Christine LaPaille <clapaill (at) gmu.edu>
To: Sandra Hubler <shubler (at) gmu.edu>
Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:29:09 -0400
Subject: Re: Fwd: [GMU-SDS] Animal Rights Activists Harassed at GMU -
Help Urgently Needed
I am not sure what others are doing. As of today, media relations is
trying to get information from police on exactly what happened and
preparing for more demonstrations over the weekend.
To put this in perspective, the protesters have been part of the
circus forever, and they know how to deal with them. We have more or
less ignored them over the years and we have a standard response ready
if reporters call. But we probably need to make sure we are all on
the same page if things get unruly. But from a media relations
standpoint I've made my assignments to my staff on preparing for this
and I can let you know how we intend to proceed once I talk to my
team, who was looking into this today. Also, I prefer to have my
staff deal with any media on this.
I hope this helps.
Sandra Hubler wrote:
Dave and others. Thank you for including me on this email. I have been
out of town for a few days and am now just checking my email. Could
you please let me know if there is any new information on this issue,
or any discussions that have transpired since Sunday.
I am forwarding your email to Morrie Scherrens for further follow-up
with legal and the campus police.
----- Original Message -----
From: "David L. Kuebrich" <dkuebric (at) gmu.edu>
Date: Sunday, April 6, 2008 5:00 pm
Subject: Fwd: [GMU-SDS] Animal Rights Activists Harassed at GMU - Help
Urgently Needed
Please scroll down to this message from *****. I
only know what I read in thsi email, but it seems someone or (or
ones)--the demonstrators, the police, the Ringling staffmember--is
in the wrong here and needs to be straightened out. One or more
parties could be subject to criminal prosecution.
It would help if the University had a short, thoughtful, and clear
statement on freedom of speech that provided some guidance, but I
don't think it does. Over a year ago, the Senate strongly
registered its disapproval of the proposed policy on the use of
public space that had lots of implications for campus protests and
demonstrations such as this one. Since then I've several times
asked responsible people to re-visit this issue. We clearly need
to do so.
In my judgment, students and others should have the right to
demonstrate for animal rights at the Patriot Center as long as
they are not interfering with the event or access to it. And they
shouldn't need a permit to do so. If parties are interfering with
this right, they are in the wrong--and perhaps in violation of the
law. But I'm not an expert on such issues, so maybe I'm wrong.
Best,
Dave
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Hmm, so those who want to control what other people see or hear are facists... and their ideas and voices should be silenced so nobody can see or hear them...
Childish little moron. So can we count on you to help us harass, follow, and silence Freepers when they counter-demonstrate against anti-war protesters? The majority in this country oppose the war now, so those fat little facist Freepers are trying to control what others see and hear. C'mon out, boy, and help harass the pro-war activists! Right, I'm sure you'll rush right out to help.
Now, to the non-rightwing-idiots here: has anyone considered filing assault charges against the Ringling Bros. employee who shoved the demonstrator, and filing a formal complaint against the cops who ignored the assault and threatened the activists? You have that right, and should pursue it.
Open letter to GMU authorities
I am writing to ask that police harassment of peaceful protesters at GMU end immediately. If it does not, serious, long-term problems can and will result.
Some years ago, fur protesters were trying to decide what department sotre to target next after Macy's West stopped selling fur. Consensus was that Macy's East would be next, but fate intervened in the form of bullying store security at a Neiman-Marcus fur protest in Texas. Peaceful, not even confrontational protesters were followed out of the store and beaten by security. The result? The entire national movement to eliminate the fur trade decided to change targets.and Neiman-Marcus got years of aggressive antifur protests ogiginally meant for Macy's East!
If you think a university is not vulnerable to pressure, consider the impact of a campaign to encourage alumni to stop donating money until police harassment of peaceful protesters ends!
Criminal Records of Ringling Brothers head animal trainer
The head animal trainer is a scumbag named Sacha Houcke, who has been convicted of forcing his daughter to the ground, punching her in the face, and choking her. He was convicted of disorderly conduct and harassment for that. Should have been convicted for assault with intent to kill!
Another time, Sacha Houcke beat a protester with a bullhook. A bullhook is that nasty long pole with a hook on the end used on elephants by "trainers" like Houcke. In that incident, Mr Houcke even went so far as to force an elephant into the media area in an attempt to get at the person he had already assaulted with the bullhook.
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed
Protests against Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus will begin on Friday, April 11 at 6:30 pm. We will meet at the corner of Braddock Road and Roanoke River Road in Fairfax, VA. Please help bring light to abuses committed against animals at Ringling and support activists who have been harassed by George Mason University police and VA state police.
Animal abuse should not be tolerated. Lend your voice on Friday, April 11 to stop the circus. If you have a video camera or camera, please bring it in order to document potential areas of concern.
Upcoming Protests:
Friday Apr 11th -- 6:30-7:30pm
Saturday Apr 12th -- 2:30-3:30pm
Sunday Apr 13th -- 12:00-1:00pm
Sincerely,
Stop the Circus Team at GMU
---
Getting to George Mason University Using Public Transit:
To get to George Mason University, take the Metro Orange Line to Vienna/Fairfax then take the CUE Bus (Gold 1,2; Green 1,2) to GMU. From there, walk south to the intersection of Braddock Road and Roanoke River Road.
George Mason University is located at 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22030
Re: Animal Rights Activists Harassed at George Mason University - Help Urgently Needed