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How to Protest Safely

The University encourages all who engage in protest activity to protest safely. Below are some suggestions for doing so:

  • Avoid activity that infringes on the rights of others, such as blocking and preventing the movement or access of others.
  • Follow the lawful instructions of a police officer or public official, such as staying behind barricades, dispersing from an area declared an unlawful assembly, not resisting arrest. It is against the law to disobey a lawful order by a police officer.
  • Leave the area where others are engaging in illegal activities and acts of violence. Your presence may be interpreted as participating in a riot or illegal group action. Staying overnight in a campus building after hours is prohibited.
  • Refrain from speech that incites others to commit acts of violence such as pushing, kicking or spitting on others, or other unlawful actions.
  • Make informed decisions. If you choose to engage in civil disobedience and get arrested, know the potential consequences. Contact the Center for Student Conduct for more information.

To File a Complaint

If you believe your rights have been violated by a police officer or other public official, ask for his or her name and badge number (if a police officer) and file a complaint after the situation has calmed down or concluded. Formal complaints or charges may be filed with the UCPD; the Student Advocate’s Office and the Student Ombuds office are also available to students for informal complaint resolution.