|
Friend –
Nearly every day, people across New York are taking to the streets to voice their views on the biggest issues of the day – including protests regarding Israel and Palestine. At the same time, some political leaders and public and private institutions are trying to pick and choose whose voices are allowed to be heard in the public square.
In this time when our ability to protest and speak out are under threat, the NYCLU has just released new guides to help New Yorkers understand their rights.
Your Rights as a Student Protester
Public school students in kindergarten through 12th grade don't lose their right to free speech when they go to school. Students can distribute flyers and petitions or wear expressive clothing. They can even speak out about controversial topics or protest the school's own policies and actions. But there are some limits on what students can do. We answer some common questions about how public schools are allowed to respond to demonstrations.
Your First Amendment Rights as a Student in Higher Education
Students at colleges and universities play a vital role in shaping social movements. This guide explains your legal rights to organize, protest, and express opinions on personal and public matters while enrolled at a college or university in New York.
Your Right to Speak Out as a Public Employee
Public employees can make unique and important contributions to public debate. They have a First Amendment right to speak out on matters of public concern. But public employers can place some restrictions on employee speech. This guide helps public employees understand the law and think strategically about when and how to speak out.
Doxxing: How to Stay Safe and Protect Yourself
Now that vast amounts of our communications and personal information are available online, people increasingly face threats, censorship, harassment, or "doxxing". Doxxing is the gathering and publication of political and personal information such as pictures, addresses, and phone numbers by hostile parties to try to intimidate and even direct violence toward someone. We've compiled several recommendations to help increase your digital privacy and protect you from being doxxed.
Your Rights to Demonstrate in New York City
This longstanding guide helps New Yorkers understand their rights to protest in New York City. These include the right to distribute flyers or leaflets; to hold press conferences, demonstrations, and rallies; and the right to march on public sidewalks and in public streets. We also explain what restrictions and permitting requirements you should be aware of before you organize or participate in a protest.
Thank you for helping to make sure all New Yorkers know their rights.
Donna Lieberman
Executive Director, NYCLU
|
