The decision by City Manager Bo Ferguson, with support by Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tem Caballero, and City Attorney Kimberly Rehberg to issue a two-year trespass notice against Durham resident Amanda Wallace following dissent expressed during the December 1, 2025 council meeting raises serious concerns about the suppression of constitutionally protected speech. The decision to impose the maximum ban available under existing procedures is disproportionate, especially considering that Ms. Wallace complied immediately and exited the chamber without resistance. As dissent is increasingly constrained at the national level, it is disturbing to see Democratic city leaders and staff replicate those same suppressive dynamics in local governance.  Join us in demanding that the City of Durham drop the trespass notice against Wallace immediately. Durham City Hall should be a bastion of democracy—open to residents seeking to voice their opinions, engage with civic matters, and hold elected officials accountable. The two-year trespass notice placed on Amanda Wallace represents a direct threat to these democratic principles. No resident should be barred from a public forum for brief, nonviolent political speech. The Constitution prohibits content-based restrictions on political speech. This principle was reaffirmed in State v. Barthel (N.C. Ct. App. Nov. 5, 2025), where the court held that the government “cannot require citizens to be polite when criticizing their representatives,” and emphasized that “the First Amendment draws no distinction between refined political discourse and coarse personal attacks on elected officials.” Ms. Wallace’s removal and subsequent ban for voicing opposition to the influence of money in politics, including the role of real estate donors in shaping local decision-making and city policy sets a dangerous precedent: that dissenting voices may be silenced through punitive administrative action. When praise of public officials is welcomed while criticism is punished, the chilling effect on free speech undermines the foundation of democratic participation. This issue is especially concerning given Ms. Wallace’s long-standing civic advocacy. She is the founder of Operation Stop CPS, an organization focused on family preservation and accountability within the child welfare system. Her work includes public advocacy following the death of one-year-old Kemari Morgan, who died in foster care after being removed from his family. Ms. Wallace has also faced allegations related to accessing government records for her advocacy work. She has consistently maintained her innocence, and the case has remained pending for nearly two years without resolution. These circumstances raise serious concerns about the treatment of community advocates who challenge government systems and demand accountability.  The impact of this trespass notice extends far beyond one individual. It threatens the integrity of public discourse, equal treatment under the law, and the right of residents—especially those engaged in advocacy—to participate freely in civic life without fear of banishment. Durham City Hall is a public forum. While reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions may be imposed, they must be content-neutral and proportionate. A two-year ban issued without transparency, public discussion, or clear standards is an extreme response that discourages civic engagement and erodes public trust. Our Demands We call on the City of Durham to: Immediately rescind the two-year trespass order Affirm its commitment to content-neutral enforcement of meeting rules Establish and publicly document a clear, transparent process governing trespass decisions in City Hall 
Durham must not become a city where dissent is punished, advocacy is chilled, and access to public space is treated as a privilege rather than a right. By signing this petition, residents affirm their commitment to free speech, accountability, and a democracy that welcomes—even when uncomfortable—the voices of the people it serves.   Updated at 18:03 ET on December 18, 2025: The earlier illustration, though credited to the creators, was removed per request by John Hurld at Indy Week/The Assembly.  The illustration credit remains below out of respect for the creators as the image had already circulated for a few hours. Current image provided by Supporters for Amanda Wallace. Credit: Illustration by Nicole Pajor Moore with photographs by Abigail Bromberger