1. Regulating the landscape of protest: The National Park Service National Capital Region as testing ground for First Amendment rights.
- Author
-
Keel, Roneva
- Subjects
PARK use ,EXECUTIVES ,APPLICABLE laws ,FREEDOM of speech ,DISTRICT courts ,TEAR gas ,PUBLIC spaces ,EXPLOSIVES detection - Abstract
This article examines the regulation of First Amendment rights in the National Park Service National Capital Region, with a focus on protests in Washington, DC's national parks. It discusses the historical significance of these parks as spaces for civic engagement and the challenges faced by the National Park Service in balancing the preservation of park resources with the protection of free speech and peaceful assembly. The article outlines the regulations governing demonstrations in the National Capital Parks, including the permit system and restrictions on certain areas. It also highlights the ongoing legal struggles and debates surrounding the exercise of First Amendment rights in these parks, particularly near the White House. The article acknowledges the importance of parks as spaces for democratic expression but also recognizes the tensions between protecting resources and preserving civil liberties. It references the closure of Lafayette Square during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 as an example of how security concerns can be used to undermine free expression. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the regulations and challenges surrounding First Amendment demonstrations in the National Capital Parks. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF