DeKalb Times

A domestic violence prevention organization says that closing the DeKalb County Courthouse before a Black Lives Matter event earlier this month gives the impression that the protests aren't safe.

"This closure sends a message that the Black Lives Matter protests are dangerous or frightening,” Safe Passage said in a statement, as reported by WSPY News on June 3.

While some protests are violent, many are "entirely peaceful," the organization said in the statement. 

"On behalf of Safe Passage, we want to note our concern with today’s planned court closing. Our concern is multi-layered," Safe Passage said in the statement. "The protests have been entirely peaceful as our community appropriately calls for changes to police oversight and an end to police brutality and racism. We, as an agency, do not see the need to close the courthouse at noon for a peaceful protest that is planned for 6 p.m. This both harms our clients who need access to the court this afternoon and sends a message to our community members of color that they are not valued."

Sheriff Roger Scott closed the courthouse early in a decision with county Judge Robbin Stuckert and 23rd Circuit Chief Judge Robert Pilmer. 

"We just wanted to insure there was adequate room and spacing available for protesters, by freeing parking around the court house and sidewalk area, as well as avoiding the congestion of court house foot traffic," Scott told WSPY. "It was collaborative decision by Sheriff Roger Scott and Presiding Judge Robin Stuckert and was approved by the Presiding Circuit Judge Robert Pilmer."