Guide for attending protests, 2022

With the weather warming up, a midterm election well underway, a leaked Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade, fresh video evidence of police misconduct, and new issues arising all the time, this summer is looking to be another one packed with protests.

With that in mind, I wanted to refresh my advice on attending, and possibly reporting on, protests and marches.

• Mind the weather

  • This may seem obvious, but just because you’re fired up about your cause doesn’t make you superhuman. You’re still susceptible to sunburn, frostbite, and dehydration. Make sure you’re ready for what you may face with sunscreen, layers of clothing, and adequate refreshments. Don’t let your protest be cut short by basic human needs. If you might be caught in the rain, also consider waterproofing your protest signs.

  • Unfortunately, it seems COVID-19 isn’t going to go away, so being mindful of the local level of transmission where you live can inform what precautions are wise to prevent the spread of this still-dangerous disease.

• Stay civil and (when possible) lawful

  • Obviously, depending on what and who you’re protesting, being perfectly lawful may not be possible, but inciting police to crackdown is another way to have a protest cut short, and to poison an otherwise peaceful message.

    • Sub note: Leave weapons at home.

      • While a constitutional right to open carry firearms does exist in Michigan, doing so is going to draw attention to the weapon rather than the protest. It also will heighten tension with the police. A civil protest isn’t the time for a show of arms.

• Be prepared for trouble

  • Always keep a first aid kit handy for scrapes and bruises. If the police in your area have a history of violent crackdowns, or unpredictable counterprotests are expected, consider goggles or masks for teargas and helmets, facemasks, or other armor to protect against rubber bullets.

  • If things take a turn, and you get arrested, your belongings may be confiscated by the police. Make sure you have the number of your “one call” readily available somewhere outside your phone. Writing it on the inside of your arm in advance makes it difficult to confiscate. Pick your lawyer’s phone number over your parents’, if possible.

• If reporting:

  • Remember, you have no special rights as a reporter. Trespassing is still trespassing, blocking traffic is still blocking traffic, and resisting arrest is still resisting arrest. The first amendment protects the right to gather and disseminate news, but if you’re suspected of breaking any laws, you can still be arrested.

  • Distinguish yourself from protestors when possible by standing apart from them when not conducting interviews and identifying yourself as a member of the media with a press badge or hat.

  • Avoid confrontation. If protestors are not amenable to media coverage, do not force the issue. Obey the directives of police to avoid getting arrested. You can’t tell the story from inside a jail cell. Use streaming video or instant cloud backups where possible to safeguard your media from search, seizure, or destruction.