This document is a resolution from the Pennsylvania State University's Undergraduate Student Association establishing a "Know Your Rights" campaign for student protests. It notes that protests have increased to address social injustice and many people are still unaware of their legal rights to protest. The resolution recommends hosting an educational panel in January 2022 to inform students of their First Amendment rights to peacefully protest and what to do if approached by police. The Department of Public Relations will promote the event through social media. The goal is to empower students to engage in civic participation through informed protest.

1. THE UNIVERSITY PARK UNDERGRADUATE ASSOCIATION
The Pennsylvania State University
16th Assembly
2021 - 2022 Session Resolution #19-16
December 8th
, 2021
Be it decided by the Assembly of Student Representatives,
having been brought to the floor by the Committee of Justice and Equity,
RESOLUTION
Establishing the “Know Your Rights” Campaign for Student Protesting
Nature of the Situation:
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The previous year has consisted of a period of social unrest within the United States, which can
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be attributed to systemic racism that includes countless instances of police. Now, more than ever,
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Americans have been exercising their right to protest for the values that they believe in and in
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repudiation of the perceived status quo—which has been interpreted as a lack of action in relation
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to various social justice causes. In a survey orchestrated by the Pew Research Center, it is stated
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that, “a majority of Americans (55%) see protests and rallies as a very or somewhat effective tactic
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for groups and organizations that work to help black people achieve equality.”1
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While greater understanding of the First Amendment has been growing, there are still deficits in
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certain areas of comprehension to the specific rights that are guaranteed. According to the
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Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 34% of Americans named
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the right of assembly as a right protected by the First Amendment, up from 10% from 2017.2
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Even with the gradual rise of awareness, the low percentage still showcases the general need to
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continue to close gaps of information that remain relevant to the lives of students at the
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University. In an effort to increase awareness about the rights given to citizens, the American
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Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has organized a “Know Your Rights” section of their website
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where they apply the law into real life scenarios that make it easy for readers to understand.3
One
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of the areas that they highlight is “Protester’s Rights,” including what to do while organizing and
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attending a protest, taking pictures and videos during protests, and how to act in a situation of
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being stopped by police while protesting.
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https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2020/06/12/amid-protests-majorities-across-racial-and-ethnic-groups-express-support-for-the
black-lives-matter-movement/
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https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/amid-pandemic-and-protests-civics-survey-finds-americans-know-more-their rights
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https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights/

2. In the First Amendment, the facet of freedom of assembly is guaranteed as a right. American
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citizens are within their right, per the Constitution, to assemble for the purpose of peacefully
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protesting the actions of their government. Propagation of this right is essential to understand for
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current and future civic engagement in the lives of students at the University.
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In the 15th Assembly, the Committee on Justice and Equity hosted a Know Your Rights while
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Protesting Webinar with various speakers to educate students on their rights and protections during
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a protest.
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Recommended Course of Action:
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The University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), on behalf of the Penn State
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undergraduate student body at University Park, will host the “Know Your Rights While
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Protesting” panel on January 18th, 2022. The purpose is to educate and inform students on their
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rights while protesting in the State College area. This event also aims to instill the information for
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their futures after graduation, in any relevant capacity. The events will be facilitated by UPUA
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representatives alongside several guest speakers. The conversations will highlight ACLU’s “Know
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Your Rights: Protesting Rights” guide and will be followed by a synthesis of the material and
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general question and answer sessions.
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The Department of Public Relations is hereby charged with disseminating this information and a
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social media campaign through all appropriate channels, while further collaborating with the
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Justice and Equity Committee involving the creation of graphics related to the advocacy of this
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event.
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Special Acknowledgement to Grace Kelly- First-Year Council Member, Ava Phillips- First-Year
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Council Member, Elijah Neal - Social Justice Coordinator, Muggs Leone - Sexual Identity
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Coordinator
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3. Respectfully submitted,
Aarathi Kallur
APIDA Representative
Chair of Justice & Equity
Marie Misener
At-Large Representative
Vice-Chair of Justice & Equity
Sam Ajah
At-Large Representative
Vice-Chair of Governmental Affairs
Jeanelle Loiseau
Black Caucus Representative
Ryan Loscalzo
Lion PRIDE Representative
Chair of Facilities
Aarushi Jadhav
MGC Representative
Owen Haddad
Donald P. Bellisario College of
Communications Representative
Giselle Concepcion
At-Large Representative

4. Committee Vote: 7/0/0
Assembly Vote: Unanimous Consent
Speaker of the Assembly ________________________________________________
President of the Student Body ________________________________________________
The University Park Undergraduate Association