Highland Park City Council follows through on protest limitations

Highland Park City Council was unanimous on Monday night in its approval of new regulations in response to a late night Pro-Palestinian protest outside Congressman Brad Schneider’s home in June.

The topic of Monday’s vote was first discussed during a Committee of the Whole session two weeks ago, as The Record first reported. 

The first ordinance that passed amended a portion of Highland Park Code regarding picketing. The addition stays consistent with State law but narrows in on Highland Park’s needs. It prohibits picketing near a residence or within a residential district, but does include several exceptions outlined in the ordinance.

The addendum also prohibits picketing within 250 feet of any residential property between 8 p.m. and 9 a.m., aligning with the city’s nuisance regulations.

The second action was an ordinance that amended the fees regarding picketing and obstructing streets and sidewalks. With the ordinance’s passing, fines will double for street obstructions and picketing citations, now ranging from $50 to $1,000.

“We designed this so that we are protecting our residences, and we are still acknowledging that there is a right to free speech, and people may not be able to protest during the day,” said Steven Elrod, corporation counsel for the city. “They have the right to protest during the evening, but they are protesting away from residential areas.”

Elrod said that the amendments stay within the bounds of the First Amendment

In the early morning hours of June 29, Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near Schneider’s home, resulting in a police response and de-escalation.

Some Highland Park residents were left frustrated by the lack of legal action taken against the protesters, turning to city officials for more security to prevent further late-night disturbances. 

In the July 15 Committee of the Whole, the council discussed several policies the city could implement or amend to combat the issue. They looked at the policies passed at Monday’s meeting, along with a prohibition of masks during protests and the regulation of chalk as graffiti.

The discussion of regulating chalk did not progress further, but staff said they will continue to research the possibility of prohibiting masks and requesting that rally or protest organizers provide informational notice to the city.  

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