SLIPPERY ROCK — Borough solicitor Rebecca Black read a statement Tuesday about the rights of peaceful protest and free speech that apply in the borough.

Residents of the borough said they were confronted by Mayor Jondavid Longo on July 2 during the Independence Day parade after writing chalk messages on sidewalks protesting the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade, which gives states the ability make their own decisions on abortion access. Additionally, protesters placed upside-down American flags on what Longo said was part of the borough’s veterans memorial.

Black said the protesters were allowed to write the chalk messages on Main Street sidewalks, which are considered public property. Black also read what the limitations are for free speech, saying that chalk writings are not allowed on private property and would not be allowed on the borough building, for example.

She also said washing away the chalk writings is a demonstration of free speech as well, an action borough manager Shawn Pugh requested of the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire District that day. Black also said she would advise the borough not to wash away chalk writings such as this in the future.

Black also said the borough does not have language in any ordinance that declares more specific conditions regarding speech and protest in Slippery Rock.

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