To say there’s a lot going on these days is an understatement.
Wyomingites are still rising up to call out police killings and brutality against Black people throughout the country. They’re still pushing back against ICE targeting Wyoming communities on a regular basis. And they’re still fighting for LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit equality.
All during a pandemic in an important election year.
That’s why the ACLU of Wyoming is hosting a series of Know Your Rights trainings over the next few months.
From protesting to interacting with police to casting your ballot, everyone has basic rights that are protected by the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws. These one-hour virtual workshops will help you understand your rights and empower you to take action if those rights are violated.
“Even though we’re still navigating uncertain times, know this for sure: Your rights aren’t going anywhere,” said Antonio Serrano, ACLU of Wyoming advocacy manager. “We must each remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our rights in this country and arm ourselves with the skills and education to do so. It’s our goal with these virtual workshops to give people the tools they need to protect, defend and express their constitutional rights.”
Protest Rights will be the topic of the first workshop on Friday, Sept. 25. Serrano will be joined by Timberly Vogel of the Laramie Human Rights Network, a grassroots movement founded in June 2020 in the wake of the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and other victims of police brutality throughout the country over the years, including Laramie’s own Robbie Ramirez.
“Protests are a fundamental part of achieving human rights in a democratic society that has continuously thrived off the oppression of minority groups,” Vogel said. “There is power in the people and protesting is just one way for that power to be shown and apply pressure to those with political influence. Protesting rights are human rights and must be upheld in order for true beneficial change to come to our country.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Know Your Rights Virtual Workshops
WHEN: 5 p.m. on select Fridays through January 2021
DETAILS: Protest Rights: Sept. 25
Voting Rights: Oct. 16
Free Speech Rights and Dress Codes on Campus: Nov. 13
Interacting with Police and Other Law Enforcement: Dec. 4
Interactuar con la Policía en Español: Dec. 18
LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Adults: Jan. 8
WHERE: Your couch. Or kitchen counter. Or wherever you have Internet access. The training will be conducted via the Zoom webinar system. Link will be provided after registration
TO REGISTER: Go to aclu-wy.org/kyr-events
About the ACLU of Wyoming
The American Civil Liberties Union of Wyoming is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU of Wyoming is part of a three-state chapter that also includes North Dakota and South Dakota. The team in Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming.
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