Protest Safety

At Stand Up for Science, we want to host demonstrations that make it impossible to ignore how many people care about science as a tool for social progress.

Nobody ever wants an event to turn dangerous, but sometimes they do.

As scientists, we know that knowledge is power, so we’re sharing these tried-and-true tips for protest safety, sourced and adapted from the American Civil Liberties Union, Scientific American, Physicians for Human Rights, the National Lawyers’ Guild, and some personal experience.  

Even if you don’t think you’ll ever need these tips, think of them like knowing CPR or mental health first aid. Even though you hope there’s never a reason–at any event–that this information becomes necessary, it’s always better to be prepared. 

Note: We’ve tried to keep this list as short and sweet–yet informative–as possible, but this isn’t all. We highly recommend looking through the linked resources, as well. The more you know 🌈

What (Not) to Wear/Bring

Wear a mask. This has always been good practice at protests, and is even better practice now. Protect yourself (and others!) from COVID-19, other viruses (ed. note: measles?!?!?!?), and pepper spray by wearing a medical-grade mask.

Note: If your city or state has banned masks at protests, please proceed with caution. Many of these regulations stipulate that masks are banned for the purpose of “concealing identity,” but that’s not why you should wear one. A mask keeps you–and the people around you–safe ❤️

Opt for glasses, rather than contacts. If you’ve never been in the general vicinity of pepper spray, consider yourself very lucky. It is terrible, and it can linger and carry through the air, especially if it’s windy. The last thing you want is for capsaicin-laced aerosol particles to get trapped between your contact lens and your eye. Leave your contacts at home.

Wear comfortable, practical, and nondescript clothing. Long pants and long sleeves are generally recommended, along with comfortable, closed-toed shoes. If spring has not yet sprung in your area, remember to bring a hat, gloves, and any other winter weather gear of your choosing.

Bring water and remember to drink it. It’s a lot easier to get dehydrated when you’re on your feet for a long time and there’s a lot going on around you. If you feel yourself getting lightheaded or dizzy, find a safe place to sit down and rehydrate.

Don’t bring a protest sign attached to a stick. Many cities have regulations prohibiting stick-signs, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Stick (😎) to cardboard and poster board alone.

Pack a bag with all the necessary supplies. An extra battery pack for your (already fully-charged) phone, three days’ worth of any prescription medications (in their original, labeled bottles), a first aid kit, protein-rich snacks and, again, plenty of water!

Safety and Security

Have an emergency contact. This person should be someone who is not attending the protest and, ideally, is local to the area. They should know where the protest will be and when they should expect to hear from you throughout the day. They should also know your full legal name and date of birth (in case you go no-contact and they would like to check arrest records). For good measure, you may want to write their phone number on your arm in permanent marker. 

Ignore agitators. At large protests in particular, it’s not uncommon for other groups to show up, try to recruit people to their (tangentially related) cause, and generally start making things about them—whether by handing out literature, leading competing chants, or other similar strategies. Don’t pay attention to them, don’t talk to them, and don’t follow them. Just let them be.

The same goes for counter-protestors or anyone who appears to be attending the event in support, but is not acting how you hope they would. If you see anyone attempting to cause any trouble, leave them alone.

Know Your Rights–and Your Risks

Disable biometric authentication on your phone. Make sure the only way to unlock your phone is with a passcode, not with your face or your fingerprint. Legally, it’s more difficult for police to get into your phone if it’s locked with a passcode (vs. just holding up a confiscated device up to your face or against your fingertip).

Don’t get kettled. Kettling is a controversial crowd control technique, most often used during marches, where protestors are herded into a single location, surrounded by police, and not allowed to leave.

Even if you’re at a stationary rally (i.e., not a march), it is good to be aware of this tactic. If you hear an order to disperse (which should only be issued by police as a last resort in the face of an imminent threat to public safety), calmly leave the area. If an order to disperse has not been issued, your movement should not be restricted and you should be free to leave the area whenever you choose.

Know exactly what to say to police:  If a police officer asks you questions or you find your movement restricted, respond only with one or more of the following, depending on the circumstances:

  • “Am I free to leave?”

  • “Am I under arrest? For what crime?”

  • “Can I have your name and badge number?”

  • “I’m invoking my right to remain silent and would like to speak to a lawyer.”

  • “I do not consent to this search.”