1. Stop Abuse of Code Enforcement Power
2. Reopen the Sanctuary for Independent Media
3. End Racist Fear-mongering
4. No Censorship of Art and Dissent

The protest is being called in response to Troy Code Enforcement's shutting down of The Sanctuary for Independent Media last Tuesday, the day after the showing of a controversial art exhibit there.

The exhibit, by Iraqi-American artist Wafaa Bilal, had previously been closed by RPI amid accusations that it was sympathetic to terrorism. According to the artist and his supporters, the opposite is true: the exhibit is intended to provoke thought about the roots of violence.

According to Committee spokesperson and Troy resident Jon Flanders, "Troy and other Capital Region residents want to let the city know it's unacceptable and unconstitutional to abuse the power of a city office to suppress an artistic expression of dissent."

The Sanctuary for Independent Media, housed in a 108-year-old building at 3361 Sixth Avenue in Troy, is a "telecommunications facility dedicated to community media arts," according to its web site. A spokesperson for the organization, Steve Pierce, said that until the controversial exhibit, the Buildings Department had given no indication of any problem with the schedule proposed by the Sanctuary over a year ago for correction of door specifications, which are normally grandfathered in older buildings until major renovations are undertaken.

"We don't pay sky-high taxes in Troy so public officials who are supposed to enforce safety codes can act like the Thought Police," said city resident Naomi Jaffe. "[Troy Public Works Director] Bob Mirch should resign. It's the Mayor's and the city's job to see that officials don't misuse public power."