According to a new state civic report by Civicus, we’re experiencing a rapidly declining change in the civic health of America. It has since been re-downgraded from “narrowed” to “obstructed,” reflecting deepening repression on civic freedoms. This shocking downgrade leaves the U.S. in company with 39 other nations, including Hungary, Brazil, and South Africa. This backward trend is dangerous for the overall state of civic rights across the globe.
The change of classification comes after Civicus’s July 2023 ratings assessment, during which the country was scored as “narrowed.” Speaking in Washington DC last week, Mandeep Tiwana, Civicus’s Secretary General, underscored the troubling trend this pivot represents. He noted that the United States has been on a downward trajectory related to the rule of law and basic freedoms. This troubling trend is a clear and present danger to democracy and civil liberties.
A more insidious reason for this downgrade though, is rapidly growing limitations on free speech, and specifically anti-Palestinian solidarity activism. College campuses around the country have seen a growing trend of suppression against students and faculty who want to speak out for Palestinian rights. Thousands of foreign-born students and faculty members have experienced disciplinary action and visa retaliation as a consequence for their activism. This has resulted in a chilling effect on free exchange of ideas on campus.
Beyond these legal restraints, the United States has seen militarized responses to protest. The National Guard needs to be deployed in cities like Los Angeles is indicative of a deeply troubling trend. This should cause alarm when considering law enforcement agencies deployment of excessive force like rubber bullets and tear gas. Civicus’ report highlighted the intimidating presence of ICE agents at many public events. Yet, this presence deeply complicates the dynamics within immigrant communities.
“Citizens can organise and assemble peacefully but they are vulnerable to frequent use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies, including rubber bullets, tear gas and baton charges,” – monitor.civicus.org
Tiwana expressed that Americans are witnessing a systematic attempt to stifle civic freedoms that they have come to regard as fundamental. He called for more urgent action to address all these concerns. The nation could use such an opportunity as we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
“As the USA prepares to mark 250 years since the American Revolution, we urge the government to course-correct and uphold the civic freedoms enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the constitution.” – Mandeep Tiwana, Civicus’s secretary general
While these are important findings on their own, they further highlight a wider backdrop of deepening civic malaise across the US. In countless spots, journalists face the imminent threat of physical violence and criminal defamation suits. To be safe, many media professionals engage in self-censorship.
“There is some space for non-state media and editorial independence, but journalists face the risk of physical attack and criminal defamation charges, which encourage self-censorship.” – monitor.civicus.org