This is all totally true. It is also totally true that you are not squeaky clean in your employment (never been late once? Never missed a deadline?), and that

This is all totally true. It is also totally true that you are not squeaky clean in your employment (never been late once? Never missed a deadline?), and that your performance management targets are set by the people against whom you are protesting. You can be performance managed out of a position in months, even if your right to protest is protected and you are literally a Saint in the workplace. I'm not saying it's right, just that it's true.