LibGuides: Racial Justice in America: Protesting

Know Your Rights

Freedom of speech and of assembly are fundamental rights built into the US Constitution. It is important to know exactly what these rights mean, and how they are applied in daily life.

ACLU Guide to Protestor's Rights
"The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views through protest. However, police and other government officials are allowed to place certain narrow restrictions on the exercise of speech rights. Make sure you’re prepared by brushing up on your rights before heading out into the streets."
How to Protest Safely
These guides are provided by Amnesty International.
Know Your Rights
The Civil Liberties Defense Center has several different guides for people protesting on a wide range of issues.

Protesting and Safety

In addition to knowing your legal rights, it is important to take measures for your own safety. This is particularly true in 2020, when it is important to consider the ongoing pandemic as a factor in safety measures.

How to safely protest in a pandemic
"Tips for reducing the risk of spreading the coronavirus in a mass gathering, from public health experts."
Your Protest Toolkit
YR Media has a list of suggestions for things to bring with you when choosing to protest.
Mobile Justice App
The ACLU has created an app to help people safely record civil rights violations. ACLU-MO has its own specific app listed here as well.
How to Safely and Ethically Film Police Misconduct
Teen Vogue partnered with the civil rights organization WITNESS to provide a guide for safely filming misconduct.
How to Protest Safely in the Age of Surveillance
" If you're going out to protest—as is your right under the First Amendment—and bringing your smartphone with you, there are some basic steps you should take to safeguard your privacy."
National Bail Fund Network
"The National Bail Fund Network is made up of over sixty community bail and bond funds across the country. We regularly update this listing of community bail funds that are freeing people by paying bail/bond and are also fighting to abolish the money bail system and pretrial detention." The network is a project of the Community Justice Exchange.