In this episode of Hemispheres, Laura Gonzalez and Dr. Padi Fuster speak out about being suspended from Boulder City Council meetings for their pro-Palestinian advocacy. What starts as a conversation about signs and speaking time quickly reveals a deeper pattern of repression, racism, and the silencing of dissent in so-called progressive spaces.
From courtroom hearings to community organizing, they unpack what it means to confront power—and what it takes to stay rooted in mutual aid and resistance. This episode challenges us to rethink democracy, free speech, and who gets to be heard when the stakes are life and death.
Mark your calendar for Slice of Hope, a community gathering on May 17. Follow @sliceofhopeco on Instagram for updates.
Important links from the episode:
To learn more about why Ruckus wasn’t on this episode, Wayland Coleman.
Boulder City Council Study Session where the Boulder City Council decides to amend the rules of decorum.
The fated March 20th 2025 Boulder City Council meeting. I start it with Mayor Brockett announcing the speakers.
Dr. Padi Fuster hearing part 1.
Dr. Padi Fuster hearing part 2. (April 10th)
Laura Gonzalez hearing part 1.
Paura Gonzalez hearing part 2.
Laura Gonzalez’s hearing part 3.
All it takes for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing.
Other pertinent links:
FIRE Flags Michigan Cities for Violating Public Speech Rights
A new report by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) calls out 20 cities and towns across Michigan for enforcing unconstitutional restrictions on public comment during city council meetings. From Grand Rapids to Romulus, officials are facing scrutiny for banning speech that criticizes elected leaders or includes language they find offensive.
FIRE warns that such rules violate the First Amendment and could lead to costly legal consequences — just like in Eastpointe, where the city paid $83,000 to settle a lawsuit after residents were silenced for criticizing the mayor. The advocacy group has sent formal letters urging municipalities to repeal or revise their public comment policies immediately, or risk similar lawsuits funded by taxpayer dollars.
The message is clear: free speech doesn’t end at the steps of city hall. And while cities can regulate time and manner, they can’t ban public criticism just because it makes officials uncomfortable.
FIRE is offering free legal help to municipalities ready to get their policies in line with constitutional protections. Read more and view the full list of flagged cities on FIRE’s website.
