Army Base "Warns" Monterey Residents About March 4 Protests

The Presidio of Monterey, a U.S. Army base and home of the Defense Language Institute, issued a Force Protection Advisory to residents of Monterey to "warn" them about the March 4 protests against budget cuts to public education. It advises residents to avoid any protests or demonstrations. This is only a minor attempt to suppress dissent, but is significant in that it shows the mentality of those who issued the warning. The message is clearly designed to reduce public support for the demonstrations. It is copied below:


Presidio of Monterey
Force Protection Advisory
#02-10
March 1, 2010

California Public Education “Day of Action”

Background: the California Faculty Association has proposed a statewide day of action with the stated goal of: “raising awareness about the crisis in public education and the need to fully fund our schools, colleges and universities.” Please see this link for more info http://www.calfac.org/march4.htmlUH

Situation: Public Education “Day of Action” events are scheduled to be held on March 4, 2010 throughout California.

Local impact: There could potentially be walkouts/marches scheduled at public education institutions within the area—to include K-12, community colleges, universities, etc. Likely local events include: a "march out" at CSU Monterey Bay and a gathering in the main quad on March 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A permitted event has been scheduled in Monterey at Colton Hall from 4-6 p.m.

Searching the Internet using the term “Day of Action” California will yield many additional places where the event is discussed/planned.

Concerned parents should contact school administrators to determine if any events are planned at their children’s schools.

Source: CSU Monterey Bay Police Department, various Internet sites

Recommendations:

-Avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place

-If you happen upon a protest or demonstration, depart the area

-Avoid engaging in confrontational discussions with protestors