Protest Safety Guidelines
"All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests. Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they cam. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS! Thank you for your attention to this matter."
- President Trump, March 4 via X
Know your rights
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ILLEGAL PROTEST. Peaceful assembly is protected via the First Amendment. You have the right to assemble, protest, and express your views peacefully in public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, and streets (as long as you don’t block traffic without a permit). The following information is provided by the ACLU.
Your rights are strongest in what are known as “traditional public forums,” such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. You also likely have the right to speak out on other public property, like plazas in front of government buildings, as long as you are not blocking access to the government building or interfering with other purposes the property was designed for.
Private property owners can set rules for speech on their property. The government may not restrict your speech if it is taking place on your own property or with the consent of the property owner.
Counter protesters also have free speech rights. Police must treat protesters and counter protesters equally. Police are permitted to keep antagonistic groups separated but should allow them to be within sight and sound of one another.
When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. On private property, the owner may set rules related to photography or video.
You don’t need a permit to march in the streets or on sidewalks, as long as marchers don’t obstruct car or pedestrian traffic. If you don't have a permit, police officers can ask you to move to the side of a street or sidewalk to let others pass or for safety reasons.
What to do if you believe your rights have been violated:
When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers' badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.
Get contact information for witnesses.
Take photographs of any injuries.
Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint with the agency's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
Be Prepared:
Before heading to a protest, take steps to protect yourself and others.
Wear Appropriate Clothing:
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
Avoid anything that could be used to identify you later (distinctive logos, unique accessories).
Wear a face mask and sunglasses to protect against tear gas, facial recognition, and infection.
Bring Essentials:
Water (for hydration and to flush eyes in case of tear gas).
Snacks and any necessary medications.
A first-aid kit.
A bandana soaked in water or vinegar (stored in a plastic bag) can help mitigate tear gas effects.
Earplugs (if there is a risk of sound weapons being used).
Write Down Important Information:
Emergency contacts and your lawyer's number (write on your arm with a sharpie or on a piece of paper in your pocket)
Include any medical details such as allergies, conditions, etc
Use Secure Communication:
Avoid using personal phones without encryption (use Signal or another secure app).
Turn off location services on all apps.
Go with a buddy and keep family/friends informed:
When possible, protest with a buddy. If you are going alone, try to walk to the rally point with other protesters.
Let at least one emergency contact know your plan and make arrangements to keep them posted on your status during and after the event.
Where will you be?
How will you get there?
Where do you intend to go in an emergency?
Plan ahead and know your surroundings:
Remember where you parked and have an alternate route back to your car if needed.
Determine an emergency location within walking distance -- think a coffee shop, store, or restaurant
What to do if….
If police issue a dispersal order:
Shutting down a protest through a dispersal order must be law enforcement’s last resort. Police may not break up a gathering unless there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder, interference with traffic, or other immediate threat to public safety.
If officers issue a dispersal order, they must provide a reasonable opportunity to comply, including sufficient time and a clear, unobstructed exit path.
Individuals must receive clear and detailed notice of a dispersal order, including how much time they have to disperse, the consequences of failing to disperse, and what clear exit route they can follow, before they may be arrested or charged with any crime.
If you are stopped by the police:
Stay calm. Make sure to keep your hands visible. Don't argue, resist, or obstruct the police, even if you believe they are violating your rights. Point out that you are not disrupting anyone else's activity and that the First Amendment protects your actions.
Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly walk away.
If you are under arrest, you have a right to ask why. Otherwise, say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't say anything or sign anything without a lawyer.
You have the right to make a local phone call, and if you're calling your lawyer, police are not allowed to listen.
You never have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. If you do explicitly consent, it can affect you later in court.
Police may "pat down" your clothing if they suspect you have a weapon and may search you after an arrest.
Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete data under any circumstances. However, they may order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations.
What to do if you believe your rights have been violated
When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers' badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.
Get contact information for witnesses.
Take photographs of any injuries.
Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint with the agency's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
If tear gas or pepper spray is deployed:
Do NOT rub your eyes.
Rinse with water or saline solution (not milk).
Breathe slowly and try to move to fresh air.
Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
If you see someone get arrested:
• Record from a safe distance, noting time, location, and officers involved.
• Do not interfere physically but document what is happening.
• If safe, get names of witnesses.
If you suspect undercover cops or infiltrators:
Be cautious of anyone encouraging violence or illegal activity.
Avoid discussing plans with strangers.
Stick with trusted organizers and communicate securely.