Know Your Rights: Rights Versus Reality

Introducing our new six-part video series: Know Your Rights: Rights versus Reality. This video series seeks to engage viewers in conversation surrounding the realities that Ohioans, particularly People of Color, can often experience when exercising their constitutionally protected rights with law enforcement.

The dynamic discussions and honest reflections are meant to inform and empower Ohioans about being stopped by the police, being arrested, protesting, law enforcement at your home., and what “The Talk” means to Black and Brown families in America.

Panelists:

• Dr. Ebony Speakes-Hall: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Associate Professor of Social Work at Ohio Dominican University - current ACLU of Ohio Board President
• Hasan Kwame Jeffries: Professor of African American History at The Ohio State University - former ACLU of Ohio Board President, current Board Member
• Curtis Maples: Electrical Engineer - current ACLU of Ohio Board Member and Equity Officer
• Lori Urogdy Eiler: Retired educator from East Cleveland City Schools – former ACLU Board Member
• Mary Paxton: Senior Director of Advancement at JumpStart Incorporated, former ACLU of Ohio Development Director

Facilitator:

• Tracy Townsend: WBNS 10TV Wake Up CBUS Anchor

Know Your Rights: Rights vs. Realities Video Series – The Talk
The list of young, unarmed Black men and women shot and killed by law enforcement officers in recent years is long, tragic, infuriating, and rooted in America’s racist history of policing. It is from this history that the tradition in Black families of “The Talk” was born. Hear from our expert panelists about how they navigate these conversations with their loved ones.

Know Your Rights: Rights vs. Realities Video Series – Arrested
We need look no further than recent headlines and news stories to understand that any encounter with law enforcement could very well end in an arrest. Our panelists discuss the reality that Black Americans face during encounters with law enforcement.

Know Your Rights: Rights vs. Realities Video Series – Law Enforcement At Your Home
What are our rights if law enforcement shows up at our door? How can we stay safe in situations when you are at home and approached by police.

Know Your Rights: Rights vs. Realities Video Series – Traffic Stops
If you’re stopped by police in your car, what comes next? How do the rights we have come into play with the realities we know can be true.

Know Your Rights: Rights vs. Realities Video Series – Protesting
Let’s consider constitutional rights for free speech, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly – essentially, protesting. Learn more from our panelists.

Video Discussion Questions:

1. What does de-escalation mean?
2. In an encounter with law enforcement, who is the best person to de-escalate the situation so that hopefully no one gets hurt?
3. If your constitutional rights are violated during an encounter with law enforcement, what are some smart ways to react or respond to increase your chances of walking away from the encounter unharmed?
4. Name some ways you can exercise and protect your rights after an encounter with law enforcement.
5. In what document(s) can you find all of your constitutional rights listed? Bonus: can you name the specific location(s) in the document(s) where your rights are listed? (Hint: amendments)

DISCLAIMER – The information on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Every case depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. To submit a complaint for review, please go to our Legal Help page.