Students Get Arrested for Chalking Campus
Posted September 10th, 2007 by FreedomLover
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Two California State University, Bakersfield students were arrested on Sunday, September 9th for vandalism for chalking the sidewalks for Dr. Ron Paul! The local Meetup.com group met to inform the local university students about Dr. Paul's presidential campaign the evening before the first day of classes.
Shortly before midnight, the students and two other Meetup members were approached by campus police regarding the sidewalk chalk.
"Which one of you is Ron Paul? Are you running for student body president? You know, there are better ways to inform the students about yourself. This is not a free speech zone. The free speech zone is in front of the Student Union and you need a permit."
I responded by saying that Ron Paul is a presidential campaign and that we are part of the Students for Ron Paul group.
"Which party is Ron Paul?" the officer asked.
Republican Party," one of the students responded.
"Really?" the officer responded.
"What makes him different from Giuliani?" the officer asked.
We proceeded to say that Rudolph Giuliani is not a true conservative and that Ron Paul is a constitutionalist Congressman from Texas."
We did not know whether the peace officers were going to arrest us or let us be free. During the standard police procedure, we slipped in some good words about Ron Paul, thinking at least we could share the message with the police officers. We told them he is the only republican candidate for 'bringing the boys home.'
The night kicked off well. We chalked very large messages in the most high traffic locations. Some of our phrases included 'Hope for America,' Got Freedom?, Ron Paul Revolution, Google Ron Paul and much more.
Unfortunately, the campus police interpreted chalk on the sidewalk as vandalism. "You know, if the school president doesn't support Ron Paul, he's going to be angry."
We reached the top of our library ramp where we began to chalk, "I SAVED A BUNCH OF MONEY BY SWITCHING TO RON PAUL." But, we were interrupted by the officers before we could finish. Overall, the chalking was a success.
Of course, the problem is that we are facing misdemeanor charges for vandalism! The officer said, "If it was going to rain tonight, I'd let you go." It is too bad that this interpretation of the vandalism is placing political activists in conflict with peace officers.
Myself and the other Meetup members, are hoping that some fellow Ron Paul supporters will give us some advice and help out any way you can. Please spread the message of the occurrence. We can be reached for interview by going to our Meetup group 219, Bakersfield, Ca. We look forward to hearing from anyone who can give us advice.
Thank you all,
Leslie Mood
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chalk4peace is an internationally recognised street art
chalk4peace is an internationally recognised street art - chalk is harmless, extremely temporay and a heal;thy outlet/form of self expression - something that is really need especially for the youth these days.
who said it was all supposed to be grey all the time? - we are surrounded by corperate graffitte, most of it gawdy and exists only to manipulate/brainwash us into parting with our hard earned money
most public media is out of the reach of ordinary folk whereas the streets are fully accessable.
the police response was totally unecessary and counterproductive if there is a true desire for a healthy culture
:)
brian
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Advice?
I am not trying to be a victim, I am trying to spread the message of Ron Paul! I had no idea that children's sidewalk chalk can be interpreted to be vandalism. That just seems absurd to me, and apparently a lot of other people.
Your right, I should set up a table for Ron Paul. That is something else we plan on doing, actually. We have other plans also. So, we are doing what we can.
We are looking for support in the aftermath for an action we had no idea was illegal. We are not law students. But, we are students and ones that felt our excitement was justified. Regardless of the interpretation of vandalism in law books as of late, it still seems like our rights have been violated not anyone else's!
Leslie
Hi Leslie
I think you have an old penal code. The new version leaves OUT the word permanently. It describes defacing the property of another with writings, etc. You might not like the law, but that is what it says even if we don't agree with it. Also, it sounds like the cops grabbed that guy as he was standing on Main street at 12 in the afternoon. I think the guy was trespassing on a closed campus in the middle of the night. I think alot more good publicity could be had by getting a legal permit (duh) and then when thousands of students are walking by during the day, one person could be writing and one could be handing out fliers and talking. Lastly, as a law student, I think you might want to read penal code 182, in a new penal code. Also, what does the school regulations say about such activity. I bet if a bunch of 12 year olds obtained a permit, they could chalk on the sidewalk to their hearts content. Quit trying to be a victim, and play by the rules.
Are those cops nuts
Are they going to arrest little girls for playing hop scotch on the sidwalk too or the local Marathon people for chalking the streets.
Here is what the city ordinance says, I'm not sure if the University would have seperate rules or not.
“ANY PERSON WHO MALICIOUSLY DEFACES
REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY WITH INK OR
OTHER PERMANENT LIQUIDS IS GUILTY OF
VANDALISM, PUNISHABLE BY FINE AND/OR
IMPRISONMENT.â€
(Ord. 3524 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 3517 § 2 (part), 1993)
First, it was not Malicious and second it is not permanent.
I have seen many people tape fliers to sidewalks etc and never heard of such a ridiculous charge. I remember in college, when Cheerleaders also chalked the sidewalk.
I would definately make it a media sensation, give them some blowback.
Let the judge know you were campaigning for your favorite Presidential candidate, and don't you think police have better things to do than hastle people that want to get involved with their country.
Massive Press & Ron Paul Awareness Opportunity Here
I agree that it's ridiculous that they were charged with vandalism over simple sidewalk chalk, but let's look at this through publicity eyes.
There's a massive opportunity for press attention and awareness for Ron Paul with this. This is news worthy and "pass around" friendly.
Anyone have experience writing press releases? Jump on this and let's get the word out. Start up a viral email campaign and get this story passed ALL OVER THE INTERNET.
Are there any photos and/or videos of the actual arrests, interviews or even the sidewalk chalkings?
lol... a "chalking"
Please contact me if you have any more information including interviews, photos etc.
Proud Supporter of Liberty & Freedom
- http://www.RonPaulMania.c...
How to get Press?
We have pictures of the chalkings. We were hastled before we could take pictures the night of the chalking. I am willing to publicize the event. In fact, I'd be willing to write the press release, I have schooling for that!
So, Anyone who wants to help me with the marketing campaign, please help. Should I include Digg on the article? Where can I place the article, which website? Perhaps I could make it front page here on DailyPaul, does anyone know how?
Leslie
Leslie - Please Contact Me ASAP
Leslie,
Can you please contact me at dave ( at ) ronpaulnetwork.com as soon as it's convenient for you. I have a really good idea on a snowball effect for this and I think we can really create a massive Ron Paul awareness push.
- Dave
Proud Supporter of Liberty & Freedom
- http://www.RonPaulMania.c...
Vandalism?
Chalking concrete or asphalt could hardly be considered "vandalism", as it involves no permanent damage. At worst, I suppose, you could be popped for LITTERING, if you are leaving your unwelcome chalk particles on someone else's property.
Viva Agora!
LehrBoy
www.citizenduquesne.org
UPDATE
Good news: We got a lot of chalkings down and they have not been washed away by CSUB staff. I went this morning to take some pictures and kids were definitely talking about it!!
Bad news: We got caught by campus police and were all slapped with Vandalism tickets =\
Who takes easily removed chalk so seriously? Some of the more trafficked chalkings had already been completely rubbed away, and that was only within an hour or two of school. To consider it vandalism...blows my mind.
Commended
I want to commend you for taking the time to support Ron Paul and the Revolution. Sorry for your arrest, but guess we all are making sacrafices. I can somewhat see the University's point, but to arrest you and not just warn you, is pathetic. Using signs or chalking more discreetly would have been the way to go, but I suppose you know that already. Unfortunately, we have to use guerilla tactics in our "free America" these days or we'll never get our point across.
Either way, thank you for your sacrafices and all the best. College is a learning experience in every aspect I suppose.
Keep up the good fight......Ron Paul 2008!
Bob W., Naples, FL
Poster/Art Contest
Hey, why not host a Ron Paul Poster/Art Contest or show on campus in the "Free Speech Area" (as ridiculous as that very phrase SOUNDS to any American)?!
This way you involve some of the creative folks and do something that's bound to get some attention from passers-by.
Gotta ask in the midst of all this though, "Where is the ACLU when you REALLY need them?!"
With Halloween coming next month, I'm sure a group of creative college students can also come up with some great "themed" events on campus. Go get 'em!!!
Is Chalk Vandalism?
Have you checked whatever student guide or regulations your school publishes?
Does it prohibit chalk on the sidewalks?
Write down everything that happened. That means each of you, separately, without consulting each other. Sign and date the accounts.
Nothing will happen, probably, but the comments of the officers show they don't know what to do to get convictions, or else they're sympathetic and are deliberately screwing up the case. He basically admitted to selective enforcement.
Don't let the administration intimidate you. If they try scare tactics, it's because they don't have a case or are scared themselves. (Of what? Chaos and chalk?)
There has already been a court case over using chalk. I believe the candidate won that one because the city ordinance did not define a sign as including chalk.
Make them show you what the violation is. And forget about the "Free Speech" zone. "Everywhere I'm standing is a free speech zone." - Michael Badnarik.
As with all attempts to ban speech, it amazes me. This is why terrorists blow up buildings. The chalk and singing and signs were banned or didn't work.
IMissLiberty
attorney needed: inquire within
does anyone really believe that one of the "accepted" groups esposing afro-american, hispanic, indian, women, alternative lifestyles, pro choice, and even illegal alien "rights" etc., would find themselves in a similar predicament? they wouldn't dare touch the untouchables. no, the officer's dept head and university officials would be apologizing profusely for the discriminatory statements and following incidents. and, of course, all parties would now be enrolled into "sensitivity" training.
hope that you all find a sympathetic attorney who will offer to take your plight on a pro bono arrangement. i am sure that numerous examples exist of the university allowing similar practices for others who are "less threatening."
Calm the hate down...
I'm sure that depending on the audience, any one of the above groups that you mentioned could have been punished for something as silly as writing in chalk on the University. At Iowa State, you just had to go to the student services building to let them know where and what you were writing, because everyone wanted to to chalk the high traffic area. If you think that being an "African American" brings you special rights it doesn't, so just calm down the hate.
If you get into legal trouble on the University level there are usually a lot of people who will represent you. Most Universities are pretty lenient especially if they are used to dealing with real vandalism. (I know someone at University of Iowa who looks at Vandalism cases). This is true across the board, and not just for "Afro-Americans"
If I were you, I would make some gold out of this. Call the school newspaper and get even more coverage than you could have imagined. It would be like that fellow in Florida. Good luck in your endeavors
spare me the "hate speech"
my comments encompassed all races, genders, and lifestyles, so please stop with the racial overtones which only serve to limit speech. in trying to stifle my opinion of the biases which exist across politics and culture, you would like the elite to be the arbitrators of what constitutes "hate" vs. free speech rights.
the damage that was done to the school is something that only the students, police, and public who had direct knowledge can assert. i chose to take the reporting at face-value and give my opinion based on that. i also have direct knowledge, from university, of several of the contra-examples i gave. you can cite individual examples to the contrary, but in the public arena, there is no question that we have created groups with special "rights."
the fact that i wish to treat everyone based on our constitutional rights and not on the nebulous "hate" definition tossed out by right and left fascists, indicates that my view puts everyone on equal footing. since i mentioned illegal aliens, does that indicate that i am a hater of immigrants? the knee-jerk "hate speech" reactions leave one wallowing in a pc cesspool because, i am guessing, no knowledge exists here of my own background.
i mean no harm to your own thoughts and suggestions, however, i thought it was appropriate to reply to the comment. disclaimer: i respect the rights of others to disagree.
Fo' Sho'
I didn't mean any disrespect, I just see a lot of people who blame whatever is the group du jour to be hated for society's problems. I usually see people say something to the effect of that its not fair that (name) got a scholarship just because of __________, usually entering in one of the groups that you mentioned in that blank. But if your comments weren't in that vein, then I apologize.
the end
you beat me to the punch, as i returned too late to delete my previous posts. this has gone off on an unpleasant tangent for which i take some responsibility. so, while i abhor the pc atmosphere present in today's world, i also have an equal distaste for cruel insensitivities. if someone felt belittled by my statement, i likewise offer my apology. receiving your reply was actually humbling and helpful in retrospect. equality and justice for all.
--there goes my tough-guy image--
Feedback...
You need feedback. Accurate intelligence about how many people you are reaching and effecting and how.
Your post indicates that there may be more effective methods out there - as the campus police thought Ron Paul was a student there on the campus. A new suitor was filing a Libel or Review in the US Courthouse in Denver wearing a Ron Paul T-Shirt. One guard asked about Ron Paul and of several security staff only one knew Ron was a Presidential candidate.
My point here is that you may be ineffective at the cost of a criminal record for yourselves, or even be turning people off about Ron Paul because they do not like all that chalking up around campus. If you continue, the penalties and fines will increase sharply. Campus police will now be knocking on your door for any "unlicensed" campaigning for Ron Paul.
I am not saying quit it. Just try to understand the costs before you continue.
Regards,
David Merrill.
I respectfully disagree
The campus is large and the chalking should doubtless achieve mass exposure. Conversely, wearing a RP t-shirt in court doesn't meet that objective unless it hits the media. Do whatever hits big numbers. It is not a substitute for obtaining local GOP voter registration rolls and roping those people into supporting RP, or engaging in the delegate selection process. Everyone will do their own thing, of course.
Gather a group of minors who like art, from toddlers to 12 year-old children, and engage THEM in sidewalk chalking some Friday before their bedtimes - "I (heart) Ron Paul" etcetera. They'll like it. Send overnight letters to the University's President with email copy to the director of campus security and local media to let them know what you're going to do, when and why. They're certainly not going to arrest or charge any of the children or their parents, aunts and uncles for that matter or cause the children to move to "Free Speech Zones" unless they're complete morons. Then you will have proven your point that it's not about vandalism but rather solely the University's desire to squelch students' political expression.
Ineffective?
Oh c'mon, what better media attention is there than an arrest or two? If people really care about the issues, they won't care too much about the tactics of a few supporters. I know I have a significant problem with a large number of Ron Paul supporters, but that doesn't mean I'd vote for anyone else.
But as for the original post...I know my campus has a procedure for demonstrations such as chalk drawing, displays, etc. that are publicity for anything. While they let a large group of Anti-Abortion students set up displays in the middle of the quad (after giving 2 weeks notice), there was an arrest of another Anti-Abortion protester who just went out in the middle of the night to write out his opinion on the sidewalks. You have to follow certain guidelines, and you have to get permission for this sort of thing. That said, a misdemeanor for washable chalk? Ludicrous.
very well...
I think you may be correct. Ron Paul has to get into people's minds somehow.
I think maybe my thoughts were about first impressions and initial exposure. I was speaking from my own distaste for sidewalk graffiti.
Regards,
David Merrill.
You have to start somewhere
Putting up banners is better than chalk, but needs more resources and organising. Maybe that should be your next project! See the Phoenix groups campaign at: http://www.youtube.com/wa...