Make Your Voice Heard Safely: What to Do, Bring, and Avoid

Engaging in peaceful protests is a right for all Americans under the First Amendment. As with any kind of public gathering, there are many situations that may arise and factors to consider.

For these reasons, we have compiled the following recommendations culled from various external sources on how to make your voice heard safely should you wish to participate in a peaceful protest.

For your own safety, keep in mind that protesters who engage in unlawful activities, such as destroying property or assaulting other people, are not protected. Moreover, law enforcement can make their own judgments about when a protest has crossed the protected boundaries and might threaten public safety.

Plan Ahead of Time

Educate Yourself

Do not go to a protest without knowing and understanding what it is you're advocating for.
Don't show up and ask someone there to educate you.
If you're an ally, do the work yourself and study as much as possible—not only about the actions you're protesting but the context around them.

Go In a Group

Always try to bring a partner to a demonstration or participate with a group.
Have a plan for where to meet if you are separated, as can easily happen in a crowd, and a contingency plan if you aren’t able to use your cell phones or choose not to.
If you are part of a larger group, set up a group text to help you communicate in case you are separated.
Make sure someone not attending the demonstration knows where you are going.
Before you go, identify a location away from the area where you and your group will meet if you need to leave quickly.
Research the route if the protest includes a march. Understand where public transportation along the route can be found should you decide to leave.

What to Bring

Carry your identification, a credit card and cash, transit passes, and medical alert bracelet.
Bring paper and a pen, and a list of contact numbers in case you don’t have access to your cell phone or the network is overloaded.
Fully charge your cell phone and bring along a power block or charger.
Understand that your cell phone could be used in surveillance.
Ensure you are dressed appropriately for the season with warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
Bring energy snacks and a full water bottle – enough to last four to eight hours.
Have sunscreen and sunglasses if there will be a strong sun.
Bring any personal hygiene products you will need for the day.

When You Have a Medical Condition

If you have diabetes, asthma, or another medical condition, ensure that you have your medications, blood sugar monitor, inhaler, EpiPen, and other health supplies.
Be sure you have medical alert identification on you in case you have an emergency in the crowd.
Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, or baby strollers should be allowed, but check with the organizers and police to see if there are any restrictions, precautions, or alternate routes.

During a Demonstration

Staying Safe During the Demonstration

When you arrive at the event, be aware of what is happening around you. Are protesters and counter-protesters remaining peaceful? Is the crowd becoming alarmingly congested and it would be wise to move to the periphery?
Be aware of the behaviors of others near you. If these behaviors could provoke violence, move away.
Look at the items people are carrying. Could these items be dangerous, used to instigate, or escalate violence? If you sense danger, move away.
Follow the instructions of organizers or public officials on site, such as staying behind barricades or dispersing.
Avoid activity such as blocking or preventing the movement or access of others. Help those who may be vulnerable or are having a medical issue.
If you feel unsafe, stay calm and focused. Move to a safe place or travel to your pre-arranged meeting location.

Crowd Safety

It can be scary to be in a tight crowd. Keep your arms free rather than pinned at your side and use wide-spread footing for balance to prevent falls.
When the crowd is moving, move with the crowd rather than attempting to remain still, but look for openings to make your way incrementally towards the periphery and out of the congestion if you are concerned.
Don’t stand near or against immovable objects such as walls, doors, or barricades that would limit your options to exit from an area.
Stay on the outside edges of the crowd and maintain your options to exit quickly and safely.
Warn others about obstacles in your path, holes in the pavement, and other tripping hazards, and seek assistance for anyone who has fallen.

Please review our standards and other recommendations on the rest of this Free Expression site, as well as the Legal Resources.

Legal Resources

Tufts and the Office of University Counsel does not, and indeed cannot, represent students, faculty or staff in their personal legal affairs. The Office of University Counsel also cannot endorse or recommend specific attorneys or law firms to represent members of the Tufts community in personal legal matters, such as divorce or criminal proceedings. However, we recognize that members of our community may need legal assistance from time-to-time and that finding legal resources can be a challenge, particularly if one is seeking an attorney for the first time or is not from Massachusetts.

The following list of legal resources is provided for the convenience of Tufts community members and should be used for informational purposes only.

Know Your Rights

Tufts Student Life Know Your Rights Printable Flyer

Know Your Rights (MIRA)

Know Your Rights (ACLU)