Know Your Rights at the DNC!

Earlier this week, we told you about your RNC-related rights, and now we’ve pulled together similar resources specific to the Democratic National Convention.

As we mentioned before, while the First Amendment protects our rights to free speech and assembly, police and government officials are allowed to place certain nondiscriminatory and narrowly drawn “time, place and manner” restrictions on the exercise of First Amendment rights. These restrictions must apply to all speech regardless of its point of view, but this does mean that how these rights manifest themselves do vary from state to state and city to city.

The ACLU of North Carolina has compiled a list of useful resources for demonstrators, journalists and others who plan on attending the convention. These resources include:

Guide: Know-Your-Rights at the DNC – A handy one-page explanation of policies concerning free speech, photography, videos, searches, and interactions with police at the DNC.

ACLU-NC webinar video – A webinar that the ACLU of North Carolina hosted with officials from the City of Charlotte and a law professor from Duke University, explaining parade routes, the city’s “extraordinary event” ordinance for the DNC, and more.

Charlotte’s “Extraordinary Event” Ordinance – This page from the City of Charlotte includes maps of the restricted area in downtown Charlotte, lists of prohibited items, and more.

Resources for journalists covering the DNC – A comprehensive list of tips and contacts compiled by the Society of Professional Journalists.

If you are interested in volunteering with the ACLU at the DNC, we want your help! Volunteers are needed from Tuesday, September 4 – Thursday, September 6 to help promote and protect First Amendment activities during the convention. Visit this page to sign up now!

Be sure to follow @ACLU_NC for live updates from the RNC. And if you are at the DNC and feel that your rights have been violated, you can contact the ACLU of North Carolina at 919-834-3466 or the National Lawyers Guild hotline (for immediate legal assistance) at 704-372-4200.

Stay tuned for updates from Charlotte, and if you’ll be protesting at the DNC, be sure to know your rights!

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