Protesters in Stanislaus County will join a national day of demonstrations called “No Kings Day,” aimed at opposing President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies. The protests, which are set for Saturday, Oct. 18, follow similar rallies held in June.
Organizers describe the event as a nationwide effort to push back against what they call “authoritarian actions and power grabs” by the president. According to a news release from No Kings organizers, “As the president escalates his authoritarian power grab, the No Kings nonviolent movement continues to rise stronger. We are united once again to remind the world: America has No Kings and the power belongs to the people.”
The No Kings website states that demonstrations will take place across cities and towns nationwide: “From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like.” The event is being supported by several political organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Stand Up America.
Protesters plan to gather in Modesto at Standiford Park from noon to 3 p.m., and in Turlock at Countryside Drive and West Monte Vista Avenue from 1 to 3 p.m. Organizers say more than 2,500 protests are planned across all 50 states, with expectations that participation could surpass the more than five million who attended similar events in June.
According to Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson, “Since taking office, (Trump) has tried to erode our freedoms and amass power for himself, censoring history, undermining our voting rights, defying the rule of law, and stripping people of basic rights simply because of who they are or who they love.”
Chessie Thacher, a senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Northern California, emphasized protest rights: “The First Amendment and the California Constitution protects your right to expressive speech. That means that you have the right to say what you want to say, but with exceptions.” These exceptions include true threats, defamation, harassment and obscenities.
People attending protests have a right to take photos or videos in public spaces. Both protesters and counterprotesters have protected rights; police may keep groups apart for safety but must allow both sides within sight and hearing distance of each other. Law enforcement can intervene if legal restrictions are violated or violence occurs.
Civil disobedience—defined by the U.S. Department of Justice as a public act contrary to law meant as protest—is not protected speech under the Constitution according to University of California Los Angeles Police Department guidelines. Acts such as blocking traffic can be used as non-violent protest tools but remain subject to legal penalties.
If someone believes their rights were violated during a protest, guidance from the ACLU advises: “Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board,” according to the American Civil Liberties Union.
