Become an Official Legal Observer with the ACLU of North Dakota

Protest has been a tried-and-true way to create change for centuries – and these days, more and more people are making their voices heard by marching in the streets. The right to join with fellow citizens in protest or peaceful assembly, after all, is critical to a functioning democracy and at the core of the First Amendment.

Unfortunately, law enforcement officials sometimes violate this right through means intended to thwart free public expression.

That’s why the need for legal observers is so critical – and why the ACLU of North Dakota will be training new legal observers in Fargo ahead of the No Kings rally later this month.

“Legal observers act as visible witnesses at demonstrations, rallies and other free speech events, documenting any incidents of police misconduct or violations of constitutional rights,” said Cody Schuler, advocacy manager for the ACLU of North Dakota. “Legal observers are committed to defending free speech in a way that is as objective as possible so that their documentation can be used as evidence if police misconduct or obstructions to constitutionally protected free speech are challenged in court.”

IF YOU GO
WHAT: ACLU of North Dakota legal observer training
WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 22 or 6 p.m. Monday, March 23
WHERE: Unglued Craftatorium, 1702 1st Ave. N., Fargo
TO REGISTER: Go to www.aclund.org/events

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About the ACLU of North Dakota

The American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU of North Dakota is part of a three-state chapter that also includes South Dakota and Wyoming. The team in North Dakota is supported by staff in those states.

The ACLU believes freedoms of press, speech, assembly and religion, and the rights to due process, equal protection and privacy, are fundamental to a free people. In addition, the ACLU seeks to advance constitutional protections for groups traditionally denied their rights, including people of color, women and LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit communities. The ACLU of North Dakota carries out its work through selective litigation, lobbying at the state and local level, and through public education and awareness of what the Bill of Rights means for the people of North Dakota.