Public Safety Committee approves resolution backing responsible protest, adds explicit language on violence and vandalism

The Tompkins County Public Safety Committee on April 22 passed Resolution 13243, a statement in support of responsible public protest, adopting a friendly amendment to explicitly address “acts of violence, vandalism, and impairment of traffic” and adding a reference to the Tompkins County Sheriff’s crowd‑management policy (General Order 706). The motion was moved by Mike and seconded by Lee.

Why it matters: Committee members said the resolution affirms the county’s support for free expression while making clear that dangerous, illegal or violent acts associated with some recent demonstrations are not acceptable. The committee debated tone and scope, with some members urging a concise condemnation line and others preferring a fuller statement that explains expectations for de‑escalation and public safety.

Public comment and committee debate shaped the final wording. Shirley Kane, chair of the Community Police Board, spoke in support of the resolution’s intent and emphasized the need for some officer discretion to calm disturbances. Zachary Winn, a downtown resident, urged the committee to add a single, explicit sentence condemning “violence, vandalism, and roadblocks” as unacceptable forms of protest; committee members accepted stronger language in the resolved clauses. Committee member Veronica noted she reviewed the City of Ithaca’s protest guidance and said she appreciated language that sets clear expectations for what law enforcement will do in different protest settings. Several speakers, including Mike, urged the resolution to address roadblocks and vandalism because of public‑safety risks to bystanders and first responders.

The committee also agreed to reference the Tompkins County Sheriff’s directive — General Order 706, Crowd Management — and to consider the county’s statement alongside Cornell University’s Expressive Activity policy.

Vote and procedural details: The motion to adopt Resolution 13243 passed with three votes in favor and one opposed (3‑1). Shauna had stepped away before the vote. Mike moved; Lee seconded. The transcript does not record individual roll‑call votes for the 3‑1 tally.

Ending: The resolution expresses the committee’s support for the right to protest while explicitly discouraging violence, vandalism and roadblocks; it also cites law‑enforcement crowd‑management guidance for local responders. The committee did not direct immediate enforcement actions beyond referring to existing policies and continuing coordination with local law enforcement.