Next week, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. In the aftermath of the attacks on the U.S. Capitol last week, the FBI is aware of armed protests being planned at all 50 state capitols and at the U.S. Capitol, and state capitals are tightening security. While we hope that these events will not come to fruition, we feel it is important to lay out some guidance for you.
LWV will have no formal role in any counter protests, and we are encouraging all Leagues to avoid any such gatherings in their communities. As an organization, we value political expression and protest – it is core to our mission. However, we want to ensure everyone’s health and safety, which cannot be guaranteed at the protests being predicted in the days ahead.
Inauguration should be a time to celebrate our democracy, and next week the first woman will be sworn in as Vice President of the United States. That moment should not be overshadowed by hate. There is room in our democracy for different points of view, but there is no space for violent attempts to overthrow our government.
I hope you will stay safe, enjoy the holiday weekend, and take time Monday to reflect on Martin Luther King’s words: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
In League,
Virginia Kase
CEO, LWVUS