Delegates to the Thurston Lewis Mason Central Labor Council resolved to defend free speech and the first amendment at the Council’s March 19, 2025 meeting.

The resolution passed by the Delegates states that TLM CLC opposes any efforts to silence individuals based on their political beliefs, immigration status, union affiliation, gender identity, or advocacy for unions, human rights, and social justice. The Delegates called on Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown to vigorously defend any Washington resident, worker, or student, who is arrested for exercising free speech, including but not limited to those who are speaking in defense of the Palestinian people.

The Delegates further called on our Federal Representatives and Senators from Washington State to speak out publicly against Mahmoud Khalil's arrest and to take appropriate political and legislative action to further protect and defend free speech.

The Delegates agreed that the Council will share the approved resolution with other Central Labor Councils, the Washington State Labor Council, and local affiliate Executive Boards and called on each to take similar action and join TLM CLC in upholding free speech and condemning the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil.

The full, approved Resolution can be found here.