Update: Some Good News

By Skip Schiel, written on December 20, 2005

The city of Cambridge is willing to drop criminal charges in exchange for each of us releasing them from suits we might individually bring. Leaving open the possibility of a civil suit from the American Civil Liberties Union that we could participate in as witnesses. We have 3 issues: the right to publicly dissent from governmental policy (given by the First Amendment to the US Constitution), access to schools to present points of view other than represented by military recruiters, and public participation when the city forms agreements with the military.

Apparently the city is willing to negotiate about these 3 items. One of our city councilors continues to play a major role, god bless her. And Louise, my partner, stalwart in her support of me and us, links our case to the Cambridge Peace Commission. We have a trial date, February 28, just in case, because the agreement is not completed yet, either by all the defendants (altho we incline in that direction) or the city or the state district attorney's office (who would prosecute the case). I am still planning to leave for my third trip to Israel and Palestine in March, hoping the litigation and negotiation will not impede plans.

During our conversation later in the cafeteria with defendants and lawyers, I realized how fortunate I am to be part of this group, a moment of deep grace. To be part of a movement to right certain wrongs, to suffer some risk and hardship (meetings meetings meetings—and worries), to collaborate with people like the Cambridge 7 and our lawyers and supporters, are great gifts. I am impressed by how well—so far—we work together. We blend self-assertion with respect for community decisions. The lawyers are not overbearing, but diligent, willing to listen, and skilled. We have the beginnings of community support thru Louise and the Peace Commission, the local chapter of United for Justice with Peace, the ACLU, some on the city council, and numerous individuals like you. We plan to hold a press conference, publicize our story, and engage in a series of conversations with the city. How and when are still unclear.

I promise to keep you posted and hope for your continuing support.

One side story: how not to go to prisons

Some background first:

Quakers (my core community) from the Wellesley (MA) Friends Meeting have for years organized annual retreats at Norfolk prison on the Thanksgiving weekend. This is in addition to many years of holding weekly Quaker meetings for worship in the prison. We have a good record. This year, arranged thru the director of treatment, I was to co-lead a retreat on November 26 about community. As requested, we disclosed information asked for by the authorities, including my arrest in June 2005 on a misdemeanor charge during the public protest against Army recruitment on the Cambridge Common. I was then barred by the superintendent from entering the prison—no explanation given other than "It's policy, anyone with an outstanding case is barred." and no notification of an appeal process. I feel this is unjust and groundless, ultimately harming the prisons and those within it.

Why is such a charge considered grounds for barring? How could I possibly be a threat to prison security, the prison officers, or the men at Norfolk?

In addition, another member of our team was prohibited because the authorities discovered an alleged outstanding warrant. Months ago he had cleared that case and was then told the case was closed. Thru some sort of glitch, the warrant is outstanding and he had no means of redress.

Furthermore, nearly all the materials the team brought, like marking pens and paper, were also banned, despite previous authorization.

My point is two fold: the system of deciding and implementing decisions is capricious, unjust and infuriating. And the prison system itself operates virtually without public or legislative supervision. I suffered in a minor way, how do the prisoners fare?

What I'm asking for is accountability. I've written state legislators (Senator Jarrett Barrios, in particular, Chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee), to date without any response. What I request is a new policy that is justice based, meaning, when cases like ours arise, they are treated fairly, not whimsically and without oversight.

My earlier writing and photography on this topic

United for Justice with Peace

American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts

Cambridge Peace Commission