Non-Violence Resolution

I. Purpose and Scope

The Coalition to Shut the Camps (CSC) is built on the power of diverse voices coming together for a common cause. We recognize and respect that our member organizations come from various traditions of resistance, advocacy, and community organizing. While we honor the autonomy and individual philosophies of each member group, this Statement establishes a unified standard of conduct for all activities conducted under the CSC banner.

II. The Commitment to Non-Violence

To ensure the safety of our community, the clarity of our message, and the strategic integrity of our shared campaigns, the Coalition commits to a policy of principled non-violence in all public-facing actions. For the purposes of this Coalition, non-violence is defined as:

• Physical Integrity: Refraining from physical violence or the threat of violence against any person.

• Property Respect: Engaging in actions that focus on the systemic issues at hand rather than the destruction of property.

• De-escalation: Prioritizing the diffusion of conflict and maintaining a disciplined presence, even in the face of provocation.

III. Philosophical Diversity and Mutual Respect

We acknowledge that many of our partners may engage in other forms of advocacy or hold different strategic philosophies outside of this collective. We do not ask member organizations to abandon their core identities; however, we do require that all participants—when acting on behalf of, representing, or participating in an event sanctioned by the CSC—strictly adhere to this non-violent framework.

IV. Standards of Representation

When engaging in Coalition-led protests, press conferences, or digital campaigns, all representatives and participating members agree to:

• Maintain a Non-Violent Demeanor: Use language and tactics that reflect our commitment to dignity and human rights.

• Follow Collective Discipline: Adhere to the specific safety plans and de-escalation protocols established by the Coalition’s organizing committee for each event.

• Prioritize Unified Messaging: Ensure that individual actions do not undermine the collective voice of the Coalition.

V. Strategic Scope and Rights of Participants

A. Civil Disobedience as a Tactic: The Coalition’s commitment to non-violence does not imply a commitment to legal passivity. We recognize civil disobedience—the conscientious, non-violent violation of unjust laws—as a legitimate and necessary tool of our movement. The Coalition will provide specific tactical briefings for any action involving civil disobedience.

B. Distinction of Self-Defense: This resolution governs the collective conduct of the Coalition and its representatives. While we remain committed to a policy of non-initiation and de-escalation, we recognize the inherent right of all individuals to ensure their own physical safety. In the event of outside aggression, the Coalition’s priority will be the safe withdrawal of our members and the documentation of the event.

C. Tactical Unity: Member groups with more expansive philosophies of resistance agree that, for the purpose of CSC events, the non-violent standard takes precedence to ensure the broadest possible participation and the safety of all coalition partners.

Summary of Coexistence

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Article VI: Inter-Movement Solidarity and the St. Paul Principles

While the CSC maintains strict tactical standards of non-violence for its own sanctioned actions and official representatives, we recognize that we operate within a broader ecosystem of resistance and social change. When participating in shared spaces, mass mobilizations, or actions alongside external organizations, the Coalition formally adheres to the St. Paul Principles to foster movement unity and guard against state-sponsored division.

We commit to the following four pillars of cross-movement solidarity:

• Respect for a Diversity of Tactics: Our solidarity with the broader movement is based on a mutual respect for the different plans, goals, and strategies of other groups. We recognize that different organizations use different methods to confront injustice. While we maintain our own commitment to non-violent direct action, we respect the autonomy of other groups to determine their own tactical frameworks.

• Separation of Time or Space: To ensure that different tactical approaches do not conflict with or endanger one another, the Coalition will work diligently with coordinating bodies to organize actions such that different tactics are maintained with a clear separation of time or space. This ensures that participants can choose the level of action and risk they are comfortable with.

• Internalization of Debate and Criticism: We agree that any strategic debates, disagreements, or criticisms will remain strictly internal to the movement. The Coalition will completely avoid making public or media denunciations of fellow activists, allied organizations, or their events. Public infighting only serves to dilute our message and hand a victory to our opposition.

• Opposition to State Repression: We firmly oppose all forms of state repression of dissent, including surveillance, infiltration, disruption, and state-sanctioned violence. In accordance with this principle, the Coalition explicitly agrees never to assist law enforcement actions against other activists, organizations, or demonstrators.

VII. Accountability

Adherence to this statement is a condition of participation in the Coalition. We trust in the mutual respect of our partners to uphold these standards, ensuring that our movement remains a safe and accessible space for all who wish to join our cause.