Freedom of speech protects KKK rally
by Amanda Kerr
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

"We are not here to protest our right to free speech," said David Michael Smith, anti-KKK rally leader. "We are focusing on the threat of violence of racism that the KKK brings to our community."

The White Camellia Knights of the Ku Klux Klan chapter in Cleveland, Texas, met together to "educate" the citizens of Santa Fe and other members of the KKK about the Klan's history and their purpose. Klan members arrived in robes and hooded masks.

"Our purpose is to educate people on how the KKK was in politics and that many of our famous politicians in history were members of the Ku Klux Klan," said one Ku Klux Klan member. "We are also educating people about certain nationalities and the violence they cause and we have a right to stand up against them."

The Ku Klux Klan was started around 1865 in Tennessee by six confederate army officers. Originally, the KKK's actions were mainly aimed at the republican reconstruction government made up of both "whites" and "blacks." The group then began targeting "blacks" and sympathetic "whites."

Since then, Klan chapters across America have come and gone numerous times. Although it has become increasingly difficult for the Klan to operate because of several laws against discrimination and racism, there are still approximately six major Klan factions and more than 100 chapters.

Today, the KKK not only focuses their prejudice toward "blacks," it is also directed toward homosexuals, bisexuals, Jews, Roman Catholics, socialists, and communists.

"We have the right to freedom of speech just as much as the protestors," said a Ku Klux Klan member. "We are not saying they have to agree with us or join us. We want them to know what we are trying to accomplish, and that is to make the South white again."

Flyers, stickers and KKK newsletters were distributed at the meeting. Some of the stickers handed out said "Keep the South White" and "Whites Only."

Meanwhile protestors rallied outside the Webber Community Center shouting chants and carrying signs disputing the Klan.

"We are making history today," Smith said. "Instead of running in fear, we are mustering up what courage we have and are standing up against the KKK."

Top of Page | Front Page