June 25, 1978 rally is scheduled
Skokie readies itself for a neo-Nazi rally on June 25
On May 26, 1978, the Village of Skokie issues a permit allowing Frank Collin and his National Socialist Party of America (NSPA) followers to demonstrate in front of Skokie’s Village Hall (5127 Oakton Street) on Sunday, June 25, 1978.
In a June 23, 1978 statement, Mayor Albert J. Smith addresses several issues regarding the precautionary measures for the planned NSPA rally, including:
- Skokie police presence and activities
- Assistance by surrounding community police forces, the Illinois State Police, Cook County Sheriff's Police, and Illinois National Guard
- Street closings and checkpoints
- Designated demonstration area
- Police command center at Niles West High School
- Press room at Niles East High School
The Skokie Park District closes parks, programs, and activities "between the hours of 10:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 24, 1978 to 6:00 A.M. Monday, June 26, 1978."
Skokie Police Chief Kenneth Chamberlain issues a directive that the area bounded by the Edens Expressway (I-94), Howard Street, Skokie Boulevard, and Main Street will be restricted on the day of the NSPA rally. In his letter to Skokie citizens, announcing the restrictions, Mayor Smith states:
I sincerely regret the need for extraordinary restraints upon your freedom of movement on June 25, 1978. However, the occasion is a very extraordinary one, and not of our choosing.
Above all else, Skokie cherishes every human life. Please believe me when I say that your complete cooperation with the Skokie Police Department is required to assure your safety and to maintain law and order.
Many groups plan counterdemonstrations.
On June 22, 1978 Frank Collin and the NSPA hold a rally in the John C. Kluczynski Federal Building Plaza in downtown Chicago.
According to the Los Angeles Times, “A band of 29 uniformed Nazis held a 10-minute demonstration.”
An estimated 5,000 protestors and 1,000 police are present at the rally. The New York Times estimates that there were “nearly a thousand counterdemonstrators.”
Because of the overwhelming number of counterdemonstrators at the NSPA rally in Chicago, there is growing concern over the likelihood of violence at the scheduled June 25, 1978 NSPA rally in Skokie.
Earlier in the year, Illinois State Representatives Grieman and Jaffee introduced House Resolution 698, a bill that limits hate speech.
The bill was working its way through the Illinois legislature while plans were made for the June 25 rally.