Know Your Rights
Everyone has certain basic rights in the U.S., regardless of their immigration status or who the president is. For a full list of the ACLU of Rhode Island’s “Know Your Rights” pamphlets, click here.
If you believe that your rights or freedoms have been violated, you can submit a complaint to the ACLU of Rhode Island. They take on a small number of cases, free of charge.
What To Do if You’re Stopped by Police, Immigration, or the FBI
ACLU of Rhode Island Pamphlet: Learn more about your rights and responsibilities if you are stopped for questioning about your immigration status, if police or immigrant agents come to your home, or if you are taken into immigration (or “ICE”) custody. Access the pamphlet in PDF format here.
ESPAÑOL: Qué Debe Hacer Si La Policía, Agentes De Inmigración O El FBI Lo Detienen
National Immigration Law Center Factsheet: Learn more about dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement officers and how you can assert your rights.
ESPAÑOL: Todos Tienen Ciertos Derechos Básicos, Sin Importar Quien Es Presidente
Carry a Rights Card
Carry a know-your-rights card and show it if an immigration officer stops you. The card explains that you will remain silent and that you wish to speak with an attorney. To print the card, click the card’s image (or click here), then press Ctrl-P on your keyboard.
Learn more from the National Immigration Law Center here.
You Have the Right to a Court Interpreter
The Rhode Island courts provide free interpretation for court proceedings as required by Federal law. To request an interpreter, contact the Court Interpreters office at 401-222-8710 once you know your court date. Access the pamphlet in PDF format here.
Free Speech: Protests and Demonstrations
Find answers to frequently asked questions relating to protests and demonstrations in Rhode Island. Access the pamphlet in PDF format here.
LGBT Rights
Transgender Rights: Rhode Island law prohibits discrimination against a person on the basis of gender identity or expression in employment, housing, credit, and public accommodations. Discrimination against students on the basis of their gender identity or gender nonconforming behavior is illegal under federal law. Access this pamphlet in PDF format here.
LGBT Rights at Work: For LGBT individuals, workplace encroachments on basic rights and threats of discrimination occur all too often. Fortunately, there are a number of state laws that protect employees’ rights. Learn more about workers’ rights that are applicable to members of the LGBT community in Rhode Island. Access this pamphlet in PDF format here.
Facing Anti-Muslim Discrimination
Recently, there has been a particular rise in instances of discrimination against American Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim. As a result, the ACLU of Rhode Island has prepared this resource to prepare you and inform you about your rights. Access the pamphlet in PDF format here.
Wearing a Hijab: Muslim women who wear a hijab in accordance with their religious beliefs have the right to not only practice their religion, but also to be treated equally and without discrimination or harassment. Access this pamphlet in PDF format here.
For Students
The ACLU of Rhode Island offers six pamphlets related to student rights: 1) The First Amendment, 2) LGBT Students, 3) School Discipline, 4) School Dress Codes, 5) Students and Technology, and 6) Truancy Court. Access all booklets and pamphlets online here.
For Workers
Jobs With Justice hosts many “know your rights” resources for workers. If you are experiencing a problem on the job, have a question about your rights as an employee, or want to know which government agency you should contact, click here.
The ACLU of Rhode Island offers a free 36-page booklet entitled “Your Rights to Workplace Privacy in Rhode Island.” The booklet answers commonly-asked questions about employees’ privacy rights in the state. Free copies of the booklet are available by calling the ACLU at 831-7171 or writing the ACLU office at 128 Dorrance Street, Suite 220, Providence RI 02903. Access the booklet in PDF format here.
LGBT Rights at Work: For LGBT individuals, workplace encroachments on basic rights and threats of discrimination occur all too often. Fortunately, there are a number of state laws that protect employees’ rights. Learn more about workers’ rights that are applicable to members of the LGBT community in Rhode Island. Access this pamphlet in PDF format here.