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.

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.