Wausau Police Department Receiving Calls Regarding Anti-Semitic Speeches

Thursday, May 25th, 2023 -- 1:01 PM

The Wausau Police Department has been receiving multiple calls from concerned citizens regarding an individual giving anti-Semitic speeches about Jewish people.

The individual in question lives within the 400 Block of Wausau. The Wausau Police Department is aware of the situation, but they say there isn’t much they can do as they have to be careful not to infringe on the person’s freedom of speech.

There are numerous cases regarding free speech and they can be very complicated. The First Amendment gives individuals the right to express themselves and make sure the government can’t censor that speech, but it does have its limits if it crosses the line of public disorder. Hate speech is part of free speech, so it’s protected by the First Amendment. However, that can lead to consequences.

Anti-Semitic speech can lead to very violent outcomes. But, the First Amendment prohibits us from intervening early on to stop it. So, what can someone do? Stop listening and ostracize the person making the comments.

However, if you’re the topic of the hate speech, it can be difficult to do so. A Wausau Rabbi believes when someone shares offensive and hurtful statements that are incorrect, that’s crossing the realm of free speech and going into propaganda. He also adds that it can hurt Wausau’s image.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.