Please notice that in American English “ protest” is used without a preposition Compare They protested the government's handling of the situation. Most people protest the companys decision to lay off so many workers. The students have been protesting against the government's decision he children protested loudly at being taken home early.• Please notice that in American English “protest” is used without a preposition. • Compare They protested the government's handling of the situation. The students have been protesting against the government's decision. Most people protest the company's decision to lay off so many workers. The children protested loudly at being taken home early