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Trump's defense will have Michael Cohen back on the stand today for cross-examination; Poll: Montana battleground voters are 'economic populists'; Empowering Cincinnati, a Bloomberg grant fuels climate and equity initiatives; Pick up a hammer? MN apprentices say, 'Why not?'

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Many Republicans are accused of undermining American democracy, new polling shows former President Trump leading President Biden in key battleground states, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court considers lifting a near-total ban on ballot drop boxes.

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Legalized marijuana could be back on North Dakota's November ballot, Republicans who oppose school vouchers find themselves between a rock and hard place, and a Vermont community's innovative substance abuse recovery program is making headway.

ACLU of TX concerned about arrests at pro-Palestinian demonstrations

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Monday, April 29, 2024   

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas says it is monitoring protests at college campuses, after almost 60 students protesting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were arrested during a demonstration at the University of Texas in Austin.

State troopers on horses and in riot gear were called in to control the crowd. ACLU Staff Attorney Brian Klosterboer said students planning to participate in peaceful protests should know their rights.

"We encourage everyone to follow the guidance of law enforcement even if they believe that law enforcement might be violating their First Amendment or constitutional rights," said Klosterboer. "It's important that people try to stay safe. Remember, they also have a right to remain silent. You can ask if you are free to leave."

Charges were dropped against the protesters in Austin. Students also held a sit-in at the University of Texas in Dallas and a walkout was held at the University of Texas in Arlington.

Following the arrests of the protesters, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said on the social media platform X that the students belonged in jail, and accused them of hate speech.

Klosterboer said when state officials attack free speech, they undermine the core of democracy.

"Texas public universities were specifically designated by Gov. Abbott as traditional public forums," said Klosterboer. "That's where students and others who are engaging in any kind of speech, whether it's passing out Bibles and religious literature or engaging in protests for human rights. That's where free speech is at its apex."

He added that if someone feels their civil liberties have been violated, they can file a complaint on the ACLU website.

The demonstrations in Texas are part of nationwide protests calling for a ceasefire between the Israeli forces and Hamas.





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