Know Your Rights

Everyone has basic rights under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws. Click on the links below to learn what rights you have, how to exercise them, and what to do when your rights are violated.

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Know Your Rights
Sep 01, 2026
Know Your Rights: Back to School
  • Youth Rights|
  • +6 Issues

Back to School: A Know Your Rights Guide for Students, Faculty, & Staff

It's more important than ever for students, families, teachers, and school staff to know their rights and how to protect them.
Know Your Rights
Jan 01, 2024
People holding protest signs and raised fists with blue and red duotone treatment
  • Freedom of Expression

Protesting

The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views through protest. Know your rights and make your voice heard.
Know Your Rights
Jan 30, 2024
Know Your Rights Temporary Protected Status
  • Immigrants' Rights

General Immigrants' Rights

Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn more about your rights as an immigrant, and how to express them.

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Know Your Rights
Jan 30, 2024
KYR Law Enforcement at the Airport Image
  • Immigrants' Rights

Law Enforcement at the Airport

Learn about your rights when encountering law enforcement at the airport.
Know Your Rights
Sep 11, 2023
Students' Rights
  • Youth Rights|
  • +3 Issues

Students' Rights in Maine Schools

The Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." This is true for other fundamental rights, as well.
Know Your Rights
Sep 06, 2023
Tribal-Regalia
  • Indigenous Justice|
  • +2 Issues

Tribal Regalia at School

Know your rights about tribal regalia in Maine public schools.
Know Your Rights
Aug 23, 2023
Empty classroom with green chalkboard on wall at end
  • Freedom of Expression

K-12 Teacher & Staff Speech, Other Rights

Know your rights when teaching and working at a school.
Know Your Rights
Sep 29, 2020
Voting
  • Voting Rights

Voting in Maine

Voting is the cornerstone of democracy and the fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest.
Know Your Rights
Mar 21, 2018
View of CBP agent from the back with green uniform and marking reading "CBP / Border Patrol / Federal Agent"
  • Immigrants' Rights

When Immigration Agents Board Buses in Maine

The government has asserted that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may operate immigration checkpoints anywhere within 100 miles of the external boundary of the United States. With its 600 miles of border shared with Canada, Maine is a hotspot for these types of checkpoints.
Know Your Rights
Feb 23, 2018
Student holding protest poster reading "bullets are not school supplies"
  • Freedom of Expression|
  • +1 Issue

Student Walkouts and Protest at School

You have a right to make your voice heard at school. Learn more and know your rights.
Know Your Rights
Feb 01, 2017
Person holding cardboard sign reading "No Hate / No Fear / Muslims Are Welcome Here!" at a protest at an airport in opposition to the Trump "Muslim Ban"
  • Immigrants' Rights|
  • +2 Issues

Your Rights When Facing Anti-Muslim Discrimination

With discrimination against American Muslims on the rise, we have put together printable cards that higlight your rights.
Know Your Rights
Jul 19, 2016
Know Your Rights Stopped by Police
  • Criminal Legal Reform

Stopped by Police

Being stopped by police is a stressful experience that can go bad quickly. Learn about what the law requires and how you can handle police encounters.