Petition for a Resolution by the Howard County Council: Calling for a Ceasefire in Gaza and Reaffirming the Right to Free Speech

djung@howardcountymd.gov, ewalsh@howardcountymd.gov, crigby@howardcountymd.gov, ojones@howardcountymd.gov, calvinball@howardcountymd.gov, dyungmann@howardcountymd.gov

For the past 75 years, the Middle East has endured war crimes, notably US-funded Israeli actions in Palestinian territories, including property confiscation, targeted killings, and a 17-year Gaza siege.

These actions have resulted in significant civilian casualties, particularly children. Meanwhile, US legislators have largely ignored these issues, instead suppressing criticism of Israel.

Instances include CASA retracting a pro-Palestinian statement under pressure, and punitive actions against individuals and groups in Maryland and universities, often under the guise of preventing antisemitism, highlighting a worrying pattern of curtailing free speech.

To: djung@howardcountymd.gov, ewalsh@howardcountymd.gov, crigby@howardcountymd.gov, ojones@howardcountymd.gov, calvinball@howardcountymd.gov, dyungmann@howardcountymd.gov
From: [Your Name]

To County Executive Calvin Ball and Members of the County Council,

As a resident of Howard County, I am reaching out with a deeply felt concern and an earnest request. Our community, known for its commitment to human rights and free speech, is at a pivotal moment to express solidarity and advocate for peace.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in untold suffering. The loss of lives, including many children, and the extensive humanitarian crisis calls for immediate global attention and action. As members of an interconnected world, it is our moral responsibility to advocate for those who are caught in the crossfires of conflict.

When members of our community have spoken out against Israel's atrocities and the unfolding genocide, they have faced intense criticism and backlash with baseless accusations of antisemitism. Teachers are afraid to speak out and students who act in solidarity with Palestine are required to do so under strict prescriptions designed to curtail their right to free speech.

There is a major concern in our community that government and private institutions are suppressing free speech to prevent individuals from speaking out against the carnage in Gaza being committed by the state of Israel. This suppression of free speech ultimately benefits those who support this carnage and has created a climate of fear against speaking out.

While you as council members and the county executive have zero impact on foreign policy, the suppression of free speech is taking place in county organizations and that cannot be ignored. Also, on September 2022, you passed a unanimous resolution in solidarity with the government of Ukraine.

Therefore, I am asking you today to pass a resolution that:

1) reaffirms my rights to free speech under the first amendment and calling on our government and private institutions to show restraint to eliminate this climate of fear; and

2) an immediate ceasefire; release of all hostages, the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza; the restoration of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies to Gaza; and the respect for international law; and calls for a resolution that protects the security of all innocent civilians;

It is critical for you to take these steps. This is a pivotal moment in our history and what we say and do today will be remembered. This is a watershed moment. We cannot expect to address other issues in our government until we can address basic matters of human decency.

Please act today.