Dear Community Members,

On May 1, individuals gathered in Central Park to recognize International Workers’ Day.  During the event a group displayed a banner with a phrase and related messaging appearing to support or celebrate the horrific violence that occurred on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked and killed more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals in Gaza and Israel.  

We write today to unequivocally condemn speech, rhetoric, or symbolism that promotes hatred, violence, or intimidation against any group of people. In making this statement, we are acutely aware that the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the right to free speech and peaceful expression, even when that speech may be hateful.

At the same time, protecting speech does not require silence from community leaders when it undermines the values of safety, dignity, and mutual respect that define our community. Words matter. Symbols matter. Expression in public places that appears to endorse violence or spread hatred has a real impact on members of our community, particularly those who feel targeted, intimidated, or unsafe because of their identity, faith, ethnicity, race, or background.

As always, we reject antisemitism and all forms of hatred. Our community is strongest when we stand together despite our differences.

We can uphold free expression while standing firmly against speech that deepens fear, division, and hatred within our community.

Donna Neville
Mayor, City of Davis

Gloria Partida
Vice Mayor, City of Davis

Press contact: Barbara Archer, barcher@cityofdavis.org, 530-400-3418