To the editor:

I am writing in response to Paula Kissinger’s letter of Feb. 27. I was present at the protest at the Dole Institute of Politics fund-raising dinner. I feel that Ms. Kissinger has misrepresented the facts of the matter in her letter.

The people who protested that day showed no intention of trying to disrupt this private dinner. When the protesters in question were arrested, they were attempting to cross to the east side of McDonald Drive. They were on public property and made no indication of any intent to harm anyone or trespass; they simply wanted to stand on the public right of way in front of the Holidome and express their opinions.

Contrary to Ms. Kissinger’s letter, there was no “physical abuse” on the officers. The alleged “battery” simply consisted of Police Chief Olin stepping in front of the protesters who were trying to cross the street while holding a banner. He intentionally placed himself in front of the banner and then broke it in half. His officers immediately began arresting everyone in the street.

If there is any dispute about the events of this day, there are at least two videos of this event from different angles, courtesy of the Lawrence and KU police departments. Perhaps they could be shown publicly to dispel any misunderstanding in the community.

This situation makes me wonder why the City Commission allocated several thousand dollars in funding to pay these officers to work overtime for the sole purpose of harassing nonviolent people exercising their First Amendment rights.

Jesse Miller,

Olympia, Wash.