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The First Amendment guarantees our right to "peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances".
This means that, while there are certain rules we must abide by, our government cannot stop us from protesting.
Did you know? You can set up your own protest -- you don't have to wait for a big event! Gather some friends, pick a legal location, and go!
What is a "legal" location? According to the ACLU*:
Public sidewalks and public parks, including public areas immediately adjacent to public streets, are traditional public forums, and speech there can only be restricted by reasonable time, place and manner restrictions.
Protesters should not need a permit for demonstrations that don’t present serious traffic, safety concerns, or competing‐use concerns. Protesters should also not need a permit as long as the convenience of the public in use of streets and sidewalks would not be unduly disturbed. It is always good to check with the city before having a large group assemble to see if there are permits required.
Other government space that has been opened up for speech must be publicly accessible for all public speech. Common examples of these designated public forums include the steps of city hall, the state capitol, and plazas in front of public buildings.
Protests on private property are not protected unless you own or lease the property, or have permission of the owner.
Protests at the Offices of Federal Officials
Senators Cotton, Boozeman, and Rep. Womack, have local offices in Northwest Arkansas. See addresses and maps below. While constituents can visit during standard hours (Monday - Friday, 8 - 4:30), the offices are located in privately-owned buildings, and there are restrictions on the number of people who can visit at a time.
Be aware that the Senators and Representative Womack are very rarely present in their local offices -- they are generally in Washington DC, and you will be dealing with their office staff. Please be kind and courteous!
The building that contains Senator Cotton's and Rep. Womack's offices only allows three people in their office at a time.
Senator Boozman's office has a very small foyer for constituents, so the number who can enter is limited.
At these offices, you will be asked to fill out a form with your concerns. The office staff can generally not respond to your concerns, just pass along your concerns to your senator or representative. Again, please be kind and courteous to their staff!
Find addresses and maps for offices here
Other Limitations
Peaceful protest is always legal, but there are limits. Protesters exercising their rights in a public forum have the right to be protected by police from those attempting to interfere with their speech. However:
The First Amendment does not protect speech that incites violence or is threatening.
It is a federal crime to threaten to harm the President, the Vice President, or a major candidate for either office.
A protest that blocks traffic is illegal without a permit.
Protesters who do not have a permit should stick to public sidewalks and be sure not to obstruct the flow of pedestrian or other traffic.
You do have the right to distribute literature, chant, and engage passersby in debate, but you do not have the right to block a building entrance or physically harass people.
If you endanger others through the manner in which you choose to protest, you can be arrested.
More Information
*ACLU of Arkansas, PROTESTERS: Know Your Rights! https://www.acluarkansas.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/236_0.pdf
ACLU, Know Your Rights, Protester's Rights https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights
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