Student protest guide

The Trump administration’s egregious policy changes lately have left many Americans feeling drained, hopeless and unsure of what to do. Reasons like this are why self-care and rest is vital, but action is just as important. Getting involved in your community is an amazing way to boost morale and raise hopes.

This is why I want to provide a simple rundown of all the tools needed for UAA students to organize and demonstrate on campus. 

Much like the United States Constitution, Alaska's Constitution explicitly protects the people’s right to speech, assembly and petition. While private universities aren’t required to abide by this law, public universities like UAA are —  with exceptions. 

The institution still has the ability to establish their own provisions and guidelines regarding student and faculty expression and demonstration — and the stipulations are as expected. 

According to the university’s rules regarding nonacademic use of campus property, any form of demonstration may not “impede on student education, academic activities, research and scheduled events.” Students can not “generate health [and] security issues,” and we have to “preserve the integrity and aesthetics of UAA property.” 

Demonstrators aren’t allowed to participate in “unlawful disorderly or lewd conduct” and are not allowed to promote violence. 

Anyone demonstrating — student or not — has to identify themselves to campus police when asked. This most likely has to do with the university’s rule that nonstudents and faculty have to organize their protests in coordination with the campus police chief. 

One of the more notable rules regarding on campus demonstrations states that students aren’t allowed to carry weapons or anything similar to one. It seems like a no-brainer until you read further down where it expands on this, listing sticks, helmets, shields, body armor, among many other items that the university considers weapons.

Another important rule that might come as a shock to most students is the university’s restrictions on sound amplifiers. They consider an amplified sound to be “[anything] that is broadcast through electronically amplified equipment or a sound that is electronically enhanced.” This automatically shuts down the use of Bluetooth speakers to play music and megaphones used to communicate instructions to large crowds. 

These rules are in place to constrict what protestors can and can’t do. The vagueness in certain aspects of the policy gives the university far too much discretion in determining what is a reasonable time, place and manner for protesting. Although, that doesn’t mean we can’t use these rules to our advantage. 

Traditional rallies and marches are the obvious go to under these guidelines. The only way to maximize the effectiveness of these demonstrations is to ensure that they’re resisting something. The entire point of protest is to disrupt the status quo, which can look like protesting against campus events and policy changes. Large crowds and gatherings can appear intimidating for certain people, and it isn’t hard to apply that pressure while still abiding by campus policy. 

There’s a multitude of other, more subtle options as well! As I explained in one of my previous articles regarding the role of art in revolutionary practice, the ability to inspire and spark change with art  is one that should never be undermined. 

While the university does have a rule against posting circulars and handbills on any surfaces on campus, it is perfectly acceptable for nongraphic and non-obscene artwork and writing to be left in public areas. These can include information and resources, or can simply serve as a form of expression regarding certain topics and issues. 

To get an idea of which areas and surfaces you can’t post, the full list is included in the UAA Student Handbook under “Posting Policy.” It’s important that all postings be  sponsored by a UAA student organization or department. 

That means the post needs to have the contact and general information of said sponsor as well. The best course of action is to find the department/organization that aligns with your goals and register your works with them.  

If you’re like me, you’ll also find an opportunity to express your ideologies through your academic career. That means choosing to research and write about issues that you find important as they pertain to your field of study. 

The last suggestion I have — while seemingly insignificant — might carry the most weight, and that’s to establish a sense of community with your peers. 

It’s hard. I understand. Most of us already have a lot on our plates between school, work, our social, and personal lives. Even if it means taking only a few minutes out of our day to hold a conversation with someone that you pass by on campus every day or say “hello” to a classmate you’ve never spoken to before — staying connected is crucial. 

This opens up the door for support networks to be established between students, providing stability and reassurance for those who are less fortunate in wake of this uncertain political climate. 

While it may seem like our hands are tied up and the world is caving in on us, it’s important to realize that there’s so much power in smaller collective actions than periodic large gestures.

‍Alaska's Civil Liberties Union has plenty of other resources regarding fundamental rights as they pertain to protesting and expression in the state of Alaska. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has a useful framework for analyzing colleges’ free speech policies and even a tool that allows you to see their grades for different universities – have fun with that. 

For inspiration of what the best course of action is, I suggest skimming Gene Sharp’s “198 Methods of Nonviolent Action." It’s great for people who may not have the time, money or energy to participate in more outright forms of protest and creating a plan tailored to your specific needs is great for minimizing feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. 

‍Pen America also has an informative article discussing the legal basics behind free speech rights and how they pertain to both public and private universities. 

I hope this article helped you find the avenue of political demonstration that best suits you and has given you the tools to be successful in whatever you choose.