Protest has been a powerful force in some of history’s most transformative social movements, exposing injustice, demanding accountability and inspiring people to keep hope alive. But today protest is under attack from those in power. Governments across the world are increasingly using disproportionate force to crush protest, shrink civic space and intimidate activists into silence. Militarization — equipping police with military-grade vehicles, drones and weapons designed for war — is on the rise, as are repressive laws that criminalize peaceful assembly.
In the US, state lawmakers are introducing a host of anti-protest bills that threaten to criminalize the exercise of constitutional rights. One bill would strip students of financial aid and loan forgiveness if they participate in a non-violent protest that is even a misdemeanour, such as failing to disperse. Another would allow universities to use student data for law enforcement purposes, making it more difficult to keep students safe and informed.
President Trump has openly endorsed this kind of law-and-order rhetoric. He has downplayed violent protests from the right and encouraged law enforcement and military forces to aggressively crackdown on those from what he views as the political left.
Despite these attacks on their freedoms, people still show up to speak out for their beliefs. This demonstrates the profound importance of protest to our democracy and our ability to challenge unjust policies. The world’s governments should be embracing this vital expression of free speech and civic engagement, not attempting to shut them down.