The Society of Professional Journalists Rio Grande Chapter stands in solidarity with all journalists covering demonstrations here in New Mexico and nationwide. Since George Floyd died in police custody last week in Minneapolis, law enforcement has targeted journalists covering protests across the country with rubber bullets, pepper spray, and unwarranted arrest.
Such attacks against journalists – or any peacefully assembled members of the public – are unacceptable, unconstitutional, and are a threat to the democratic foundations of our society.
We at SPJ Rio Grande support all journalists who seek truth, investigate wrongdoing, and hold people and institutions accountable for their actions. It is our job to uncover and report acts of racism, hatred, and injustice. It is also our job to cover public events.
SPJ Rio Grande calls on local and national authorities to uphold the First Amendment in allowing journalists to work safely, without fear of injury or harm.
Above all, the Society of Professional Journalists supports the Constitutional rights of all journalists to work lawfully, safely, and without worry of harassment from law enforcement.
SPJ Rio Grande is here to support journalists throughout New Mexico and West Texas. If you or a journalist you know has been targeted by law enforcement or otherwise harmed while covering public events, please let us know so we can document these incidents and work together to respond. Email us at spjriogrande@gmail.com.
– The Board of the Rio Grande Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists
