Threats to Elected Officials: What Can Be Done?

2123 Fenton Parkway,San Diego CA 92108

30 May, 2023

Description

Eighty-one percent of local public officials say they have experienced harassment, threats and violence, per a 2021 National League of Cities survey. This has a chilling effect on people who might otherwise serve: "I think you're seeing a lot of people choosing not to serve in public office anymore," Keisha Lance Bottoms, former mayor of Atlanta, said in the report. What can we as citizens and League members do? What is the boundary between the First Amendment right to free speech and unacceptable harassment and disruption? On Tuesday, May 30, at 6pm at the Mission Valley Library, the League of Women Voters of San Diego will co-host an event at which Dr. Carl Luna (Professor of Political Science and Director of the San Diego Community College District’s and University of San Diego’s Institute for Civil Civic Engagement) and Rachel Locke (Director of the Violence, Inequality and Power Lab at the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice) will present the results of their research and data on the experiences of local elected officials. After the presentation, attendees will break into small groups to discuss the information and brainstorm ideas for policy solutions. This opinion piece in the San Diego Union-Tribune describes the issue and research: Elected officials face escalating threats. We want to make San Diego public service safe. Co-sponsors of this event include: Institute for Civil Civic Engagement The Violence, Inequality and Power Lab at USD’s Kroc Institute for Peace and JusticeBurnham Center for Community AdvancementNational Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC)The League will offer light beverages and snacks. There is ample parking at the library, easy access to public transportation, and many nearby restaurants. Notice of Accessibility: LWVSD strives to create inclusive, accessible meetings and events that enable all individuals to fully engage with its programming. Please contact us if you need accommodations to access this event.