According to Layla Joseph, she and a group had written chalk messages on the sidewalks along Main Street and Elm Street on Saturday morning to protest the overturning of Roe v. Wade. 07/2022

SLIPPERY ROCK — Borough solicitor Rebecca Black read a statement Tuesday about the rights of peaceful protest and free speech that apply in the borough.

Residents of the borough said they were confronted by Mayor Jondavid Longo on July 2 during the Independence Day parade after writing chalk messages on sidewalks protesting the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade, which gives states the ability make their own decisions on abortion access. Additionally, protesters placed upside-down American flags on what Longo said was part of the borough’s veterans memorial.

Black said the protesters were allowed to write the chalk messages on Main Street sidewalks, which are considered public property. Black also read what the limitations are for free speech, saying that chalk writings are not allowed on private property and would not be allowed on the borough building, for example.

She also said washing away the chalk writings is a demonstration of free speech as well, an action borough manager Shawn Pugh requested of the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire District that day. Black also said she would advise the borough not to wash away chalk writings such as this in the future.

Black also said the borough does not have language in any ordinance that declares more specific conditions regarding speech and protest in Slippery Rock.

“I don’t think anybody was at fault on that day for their initial reactions,” she said. “This isn’t something we have had to answer before as far as what is allowed.”

Layla Joseph, who was one of the residents involved in the protest July 2, spoke during the public comment section and asked Black for clarification regarding the implications of her actions and the reaction of the borough.

Black said as long as residents do not break any boundaries outlined in the First Amendment, they will be able to continue voicing their opinions freely.

“Please continue to protest,” Black said. “Continue to exercise the rights those veterans fought for, but do so in a peaceful and respectful manner.”

Council voted to change School Street from one-way traffic to two-way from Cooper Street to Maltby Street.

Pugh said drivers often go the wrong way on the street simply because of its placement in the area. By making it a two-way street, he hopes to mitigate traffic issues, although it will eliminate nine parallel parking spaces.

“On Cooper Street, there are a lot of people who make the right into that parking lot there, that is actually one way,” Pugh said. “We want to eliminate that being a one way and for traffic to flow both ways so you can get into that parking lot.”

Council also voted to prohibit the use of “vapes” in borough parks. Pugh said current rules for borough recreation areas already prohibit smoking. According to Pugh, an organization called Keystone Wellness will provide the borough with free signage to support the resolution.

Council also approved a collaborative project with Slippery Rock Township, Slippery Rock Area School District, Slippery Rock Park and Recreation, Slippery Rock Baseball and the Football and Softball Associations. The borough will pay $1,250 to tar-and-chip Boller Drive, and Slippery Rock Township will provide the labor, according to Pugh.

“They said they were planning to do it by the end of the month but that will be decided on their end,” Pugh said.