Attorney General publishes guide for those engaging in protest

October 12, 2026  |  By Vermont Attorney General’s office | News Release

Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark has issued a guide to help Vermonters understand their rights while engaging in protest.

The guide outlines First Amendment protections in various types of public forums, individuals’ rights when interacting with law enforcement, and government restrictions permitted by law.

“Protesting is an important and valuable part of our democracy, and I encourage Vermonters to exercise their fundamental rights, including through protest,” Clark said. “I understand that many advocates are already well-informed and well-trained when it comes to engaging in protest. But for those who may want to participate in a protest and are unsure or unclear about what their rights are under the law, this guide is intended to provide clarity and help Vermonters understand the protections and limitations under the law.”

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees people broad rights to peacefully assemble in public spaces to demonstrate, protest, or otherwise speak their mind on nearly every topic. The First Amendment, and the entire U.S. Constitution (and Vermont’s Constitution) apply to everyone, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The guide addresses which actions are protected under the First Amendment, and which ones are not. For example, some protected actions are:

• Assembling peacefully in public spaces to express your point of view; 

• Criticizing the government and government officials;

• Expressing your views through symbolic actions, such as carrying flags, banners, or picket signs;

• Marching safely on public roads and paths;

• Engaging in non-threatening speech or expressive activity that others may find objectionable or even deeply offensive; and

• Photographing or recording the public actions of police officers or other government officials from a safe distance.

The guide also covers individual rights when interacting with law enforcement, such as stops, searches and arrests. Importantly, it clarifies that federal, state or local government officials cannot punish Vermonters for exercising their rights under the First Amendment for the reason that they disagree with their point of view.

View and download the guide, “Your Rights When Protesting in Vermont,” here. To learn more about civil rights during encounters with federal immigration authorities, see the Vermont Attorney General’s previously released guide: Your Rights When Encountering Immigration Officials in Vermont (June 11, 2025).