Welcome remarks at the “40 Years of Handschu” Event – By Muhammad U. Faridi, President

It is my pleasure to welcome you to tonight’s event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Handschu Consent Decree.  My name is Muhammad Faridi.  I am the President of this association and I also have the honor of serving as the Civilian Representative to the Handschu Committee.  I will let tonight’s panelists describe what that role entails.

Although most New Yorkers—including those in the legal profession—do not know about Handschu, I think it is safe to say that Handschu is a part of the fabric of New York City.  The settlement of the Handschu lawsuit through the entry of the consent decree that created what are colloquially referred to as the Handschu guidelines reflects a landmark moment in the history of civil liberties and law enforcement in New York City.  The Handschu guidelines were designed to strike a balance between protecting national security and safeguarding our constitutional rights, particularly the right to association, free speech, and political expression.

Tonight, we are fortunate to hear from a distinguished panel of experts—some of whom were responsible for litigating the Handschu matter, others who were responsible for reviving the guidelines in recent years, and some others who are responsible for enforcing them at the NYPD.  These experts will explore the NYPD’s investigative tactics concerning political activity and the complex interplay between law enforcement’s need to protect public safety and the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

In troubling times, particularly when societal unrest or national security concerns are present, it can be all too easy to justify the suppression of political speech.  Our country’s history, time and again, shows that it is particularly in times like these that we must be vigilant in guarding our civil liberties.  The right to speak out, to organize, and to protest is at the heart of what it means to live in a democratic society.  It allows marginalized voices to be heard, challenges entrenched power, and fosters debate that strengthens our nation.

History has shown us that when political speech is curtailed, it can have far-reaching consequences for civil liberties, democratic participation, and social progress.  The Handschu guidelines were a recognition that, while law enforcement has a responsibility to protect us from real threats, it is equally critical to ensure that this does not come at the expense of the fundamental freedoms that make our democracy vibrant and resilient.

Tonight’s conversation is an opportunity to reflect on how we, as a society, can continue to balance security with the preservation of the political freedoms that allow us to confront challenges, voice dissent, and pursue justice.  I encourage you all to engage deeply with the discussion, ask questions, and consider how these issues resonate not only in New York City, but across the nation and around the world.

Thank you again for being here, and we look forward to a thought-provoking evening.