The Decalogue Society of Lawyers condemns this past weekend’s targeted protests at the homes of Jewish elected officials, U.S Congressman Brad Schneider and Governor J.B. Pritzker.
On Saturday at 3 am, protestors awoke residents and families in a predominantly Jewish residential neighborhood in Highland Park with bull horns, drum beats, and antisemitic chants on both the Sabbath and the eve of the second anniversary of the July 4th Highland Park mass shooting. Moreover, despite being advised of the obvious unlawful nature of their actions by the Highland Park Police, the very next day, that same group chose to deliberately repeat their unlawful behavior yet again, this time in a residential neighborhood of Chicago in front of the home of Governor Pritzker.
Furthermore, it has been reported that licensed Illinois attorneys, who took an oath to adhere to the Rules of Professional Responsibility and Ethics and abide by all laws in this state, not only participated but may have also been involved in planning and organizing these hateful and plainly unlawful acts.
Setting aside the targeting of Jewish elected officials and the anti-Semitic chants heard for blocks, the freedom of speech and the right to assemble and protest are not unlimited or without legal restrictions. Adherence to laws, especially by attorneys, even when protesting, is fundamental to a democratic society. Yet, here, the protesters blatantly violated, at minimum, local ordinances prohibiting public nuisances and excessive noise disturbing the peace even after receiving notice from law enforcement. While they could have visited Congressman Schneider’s or Governor Pritzker’s local offices at any time during regular business hours and engaged with them on any governmental policies with which they disagreed, they chose instead to frighten residents and families who have already endured unimaginable trauma, at 3 AM, violating not only the law but common decency.
For 90 years, the Decalogue Society has zealously promoted justice in the fight against antisemitism and hate in all forms. We will continue our efforts, hoping that civility and the rule of law will always prevail.