People v. Cordaro, Durland, Eaves, Fineron, Froese, Kerwin, and Verlo

The City of Colorado Springs prosecuted seven persons who marched with a larger group during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Colorado Springs on March 17, 2007, wearing green t-shirts with peace signs and carrying peace banners. Although they had a permit to march in the privately organized parade, the group was told that they had to leave because the parade organizers banned messages relating to “social issues.”

The seven were arrested and charged with failure to disperse. The ACLU of Colorado successfully represented the seven defendants in their criminal trial. In 2008, the parade organizers abandoned their ban on “social issues” during the annual parade.

“Reporting on trial of St. Patrick's Day parade protesters, Post omitted police brutality allegations,” Media Matters, August 24, 2007

“Lingering Questions Over St. Paddy’s Day Melee,” Colorado Independent, March 25, 2007

“Anti-War Protesters Arrested In Colorado Springs,” Mother Jones, March 19, 2007

“Springs Police Launch St. Paddy’s Parade Investigation,” Colorado Independent, March 19, 2007

“St. Paddy’s Parade Turns Ugly In Colorado Springs,” Colorado Independent, March 18, 2007

“War protesters clash with police at Springs St. Patrick's Day parade,” Gazette, March 17, 2005