Know Your Rights
If you believe you or someone else has experienced a civil rights violation, you can file a report with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
More information about how to report a civil rights violation: https://civilrights.justice.gov/#your-rights
Quick Navigation to Learn Your Rights:
You have rights at home and while travelling.
Muslim Advocates created a useful video to help you know your rights at home and while travelling. Remember, it is best to refrain from answering questions without a lawyer. Additionally, do not let any agents into your home without a warrant.
You have rights when you are approached by law enforcement, including the FBI.
You may be approached, even if you did nothing wrong.
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If you are approached by the FBI, tell the truth or stay silent – lying is a crime. You can refrain from speaking by saying: “I am exercising my right to remain silent and not speak with you without consulting an attorney.”
You have the right to remain silent if you are approached by the FBI. In fact, we strongly encourage that you remain silent when approached by any law enforcement. We recommend that you do not discuss your religious or political views.
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You have the right to consult a lawyer. We recommend that you respond to any approaches from law enforcement with the sentence. It is an intimidation tactic to indicate that asking for a lawyer is suspicious; it is common practice to consult a lawyer.
You have a right to free speech, but not all speech is protected.
The Muslim Legal Fund of America has created one-page documents to understand how to navigate using your right to free speech, particularly in regard to advocating for Palestine.
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Protected speech vs speech that is considered material support of terrorism (one-pager)
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How the Constitution protects your speech (one-pager)​
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Examples of when the government charged Muslims with material support (webpage and one-pager).
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Staying safe on social media (resource)
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Protesters have rights.
The National Lawyers Guild created Know Your Rights materials for protestors in English, Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Bengali, and Urdu.
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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also created tools for advocates to know their rights when:
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organizing a protest
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attending a protest
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taking pictures or video at a protest
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stopped by police while protesting
Employees have rights.
Employees have the right to not be discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, sex, nationality, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics.
Employees have the right to voice complaints and concerns about discrimination without retaliation.
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Government employees have the right to exercise free speech about any matter of public concern, as long as they are speaking as private citizens and as long as this does not interfere with their work.
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Some forms of work-related speech, including speech that addresses one-sided rhetoric that contributes to a hostile work environment should be protected. Additionally, employees using their personal social media accounts to address human rights violations should not face workplace discrimination.
You have rights when you are travelling into and out of the United States.
Muslim Advocates has a one-page document that outlines your rights while travelling.
This tool can help you if you are:
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Selected for questioning
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Detained at the airport or border
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Searched at the border
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Asked to remove your hijab