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The Gathering Place Blog

An Arizona cop threatened to arrest a 12-year-old journalist. She wasn’t backing down.

To commemorate Women’s History Month, we will be examining articles that allow us to reflect on the past, present, and future of women. We encourage you to read our summaries as well as the articles themselves and share this with your friends. If you want to learn more about the history of Women’s History Month, start here. If you have feedback or suggestions for future articles, contact Kate Mazzotta, Communications Manager, at kate@tgpdenver.org.

The Washington Post reports: “The 12-year-old gave her name and phone number and mentioned that she was a member of the media. She said [Joseph Patterson] told her, ‘I don’t want to hear about any of that freedom-of-the-press stuff’ and added that he would have her arrested and thrown in juvenile jail.”

12-year-old Hilde Kate Lysiak continued anyway, and when the cop, Patterson, confronted and threatened her again, she started recording.

Now, he’s being investigated by his department.

Read the full story here.

We’re choosing to celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day because, in addition to raising awareness around women’s issues, The Gathering Place helps women every day. We are metropolitan Denver’s only daytime shelter for women, children, and transgender individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. While we refer to those we serve as members, all of our programs and services are free, and they always will be.

Celebrate Women’s History Month by supporting the women we serve! Give now. And be sure to share this article with your friends so they can join the celebration.