Common Wants You To Vote Smart Justice ACLU 2018-10-11 | This Election Day, voters have an opportunity to show politicians that they will hold them accountable for their positions on criminal justice reform.The ACLU launched its Campaign for Smart Justice with a simple but daring goal: cut the incarceration rate in this country by 50 percent and reduce the racial disparities in our prisons and jails. But we can’t get there if elected officials stand in our way. Politicians created mass incarceration, and they can end mass incarceration. Most politicians, however, need public pressure to do the right thing, which is why voters have an opportunity to send a real message come Nov. 6.To arm voters with the information they need to make the right choice on Election Day, the ACLU launched Vote Smart Justice, a nonpartisan voter education drive to give Americans information about where candidates for state and federal office stand on key criminal justice reform issues, like bail reform, the war on drugs, and police accountability. At VoteSmartJustice.org, users can access information on candidates’ voting history and public statements on criminal justice reform in more than 1,000 federal, state, and local elections. To find out where the candidates in your district stand, all you have to do is go to VoteSmartJustice.org and enter your zip code. We’ve partnered with Oscar and Grammy-winning artist Common to launch a video that reminds voters of what’s at stake in 2018 and how we can build a fairer and smarter criminal justice system.If we Vote Smart Justice in 2018 and beyond, we can build a system that prioritizes people instead of prisons.For more information visit: www.votesmartjustice.org
Authors on the Importance of Librarians ACLU 2023-05-09 | Book bans are a violation of our right to learn. If you want to keep libraries free from censorship, join these authors in thanking a librarian for making books - all books, even those whose themes or content may offend powerful political interests - available in our communities. Go to librarians.aclu.org to show your appreciation for your library workers. #shorts
Jessica Williams Reads Banned Books - Judy Blume - Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret - ACLU ACLU 2023-04-25 | Are you there, First Amendment? It’s us, the ACLU.Book bans are a violation of our right to learn — this National Library Week, join us and Jessica Williams as we read a banned book in support of librarians fighting for our right to read. librarians.aclu.org
ACLU Emergency Town Hall: The Fight for Medication Abortion ACLU 2023-04-14 | A federal district court in Texas issued a ruling blocking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone, an exceedingly safe medication that has been used for over 20 years by millions of people in the United States for both abortion and miscarriage care. If this decision takes effect, it has the potential to impact people’s ability to access abortion care in all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories — straining clinics and providers who are already grappling with the effects of Roe v. Wade being overturned. During this emergency town hall, a panel of ACLU experts breaks down what the decision means for abortion access, how the ACLU is fighting back, and what you can to do to help. The speakers include Jennifer Dalven, ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project Director, and J.J. Straight, ACLU Liberty Division Deputy Director. The moderator is Rebecca Lowell Edwards, ACLU Chief Communications Officer. Protect medication abortion now. Take action at http://www.aclu.org/MifeAccess. Stay in the fight with the ACLU. Go to http://aclu.org/protect-abortion and become a monthly donor today. Companies across the country can join the fight at http://www.dontbanequality.com, a robust network of businesses speaking out in support of comprehensive abortion care.
GRWM: An ACLU Attorney Gets Ready For Court #shorts ACLU 2023-04-03 | Here’s how an ACLU attorney gets ready to fight for abortion rights in court.
Trans Lives Are Not Up For Debate #shorts ACLU 2023-03-28 | Trans people are here, and we have always been here.We’re fighting not only for our own freedom and autonomy, but for future generations who deserve love, support, and community.Ash Hall, Policy & Advocacy Strategist at the ACLU of Texas, testified before the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs on March 16, 2023.
ACLU Shows Up for Reproductive Freedom ACLU 2023-03-23 | ACLU’s founders, organizers, and notable lawyers have long been in the fight for women’s rights. Reproductive freedom has been important to us since our founding over 100 years ago, and we’ll continue to work with our affiliates and partners to ensure everyone is able to get the care they need — to have a child or end a pregnancy.-- Story and Research by Becky Edwards, Louise Melling, Jennifer Dalven, Ria Tabacco Mar, Katherine Palm, Rita Wang, Dorothy Ehrlich and Marcia GalloDirected by Gwen SchroederWritten by Andrew Everett, Gwen Schroeder, Sarah Michaels and Rebecca McCrayExecutive Producer: Stefan SmithFootage Research and Audio Recording: Jeremiah Glazer Voiceover: Gwen Schroeder Produced in collaboration with HardPinSupervising Producer: Sara KenigsbergEditor: Elyssa CusimanoAssistant Editor: Josie PommeringAdditional Editor Support: Hamad Al-Tourah and Patrick BauerMotion Designer and Creative Direction: Will HylerSound Mixer: Brandon HickeyAssociate Producers: Cara Maiatico and Niema Dancy
Fighting Discrimination at School ACLU 2023-03-23 | Across the country, Black, Indigenous, and other students of color experience discrimination at school because of their hair and clothing. Students have been required to straighten, cover, or cut their hair, or remove their religious and cultural clothing to meet school dress codes.In Nebraska, advocates are urging state lawmakers to pass bill LB630, which would end discrimination based on hairstyles, natural hair, and head coverings. The bill would also ensure that Indigenous students could wear tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies. Nebraska lawmakers and lawmakers across the country must protect students’ right to be themselves at school.For more information, please visit: aclu.org/news/racial-justice/state-lawmakers-must-protect-the-cultural-and-religious-expression-of-indigenous-students
Defending Healthcare and LGBTQ Rights | ACLU ACLU 2023-03-17 | Here's how allies, lawyers, trans folks, siblings, and parents are showing up to defend the right to healthcare across the country.In the last few years states have advanced a record number of bills that attack LGBTQ rights, especially transgender youth. The ACLU is tracking over 400 of these attacks here: http://aclu.org/tracking-anti-lgbtq-leg
Defending LGBTQ Rights in the US | ACLU #shorts ACLU 2023-03-17 | We won’t stop speaking out against these cruel attacks on trans youth.Stay up to date on anti-LGBTQ legislation and help us fight back: http://aclu.org/tracking-anti-lgbtq-leg
Indigenous Students Share the Importance of Tribal Regalia at Graduation | ACLU ACLU 2023-03-14 | For some Indigenous students, graduation can be fraught with uncertainty over their ability to wear tribal regalia during their schools’ commencement ceremonies. Policies or practices that strip Indigenous students of their cultural and religious heritage only compound the violence and oppression that these students and their communities have suffered. But this year, Oklahoma lawmakers can act to reinforce the rights of Indigenous students to wear tribal regalia.
Wearing Tribal Regalia at Graduation #shorts ACLU 2023-03-14 | Proposed legislation would codify the rights of Indigenous students to wear tribal regalia in Oklahoma.
How Originalism Hurts Women ACLU 2023-03-10 | Originalism limits present interpretations of the Constitution to the time of its writing, when only white, land-owning men had any power.It’s popular with today’s Supreme Court — and it poses a big threat to women’s rights. Listen to the full episode of the podcast: aclu.org/podcast
Disability Advocate Judy Heumann ACLU 2023-03-08 | "The average American is not, nor should they have to be, prepared to fight every day of their life for basic civil rights.”We honor Judy for her lifetime dedication to fighting for our communities.Find out more about Judy Heumann on our podcastaclu.org/podcast/judy-heumann-on-disability-discrimination-and-the-fight-for-rights
ACLU Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative ACLU 2023-03-01 | We're launching the Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative (ACDI) to help those facing prosecution for providing, supporting, or seeking abortion care.The initiative will confront the criminalization of abortion care in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, by establishing and working alongside a network of experienced criminal defense attorneys across the country prepared to defend health care providers, patients, and those who assist patients facing criminal investigations, charges, or prosecutions. The effects of banning abortion fall hardest on women and people with low-incomes, people of color, young people, and other marginalized communities who are more likely to suffer the health, economic, and life consequences of being forced to continue a pregnancy to term. As with criminal law enforcement in general, the people who are most likely to be investigated and prosecuted are Black, Brown, and those with low incomes. By criminalizing essential healthcare, politicians and prosecutors deny the humanity of people who become pregnant, seeking to control their bodies, and determine their futures. We are here and we are ready to fight for providers, supporters and those who receive abortion care. To learn more about the ACLU’s Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative, visit our site: aclu.org/acdi
Kansas Death Penalty Is Racist ACLU 2023-02-06 | Here’s what you should know about the death penalty in Kansas – and why we are asking a court to find it unconstitutional. 1) The death penalty in Kansas is racist. The death penalty’s history is intertwined with the history of lynching and racial oppression. Like lynching, the death penalty in Kansas has been used more often against Black men charged with killing white women. Race continues to play a major role today in who is charged and sentenced to death, as well as who serves on the jury. Black people are disproportionately excluded from serving on death penalty juries because people who oppose the death penalty – which Black people overwhelmingly do – are weeded out during jury selection. This violates the rights of Black Kansans to serve on juries and the right of the accused person to be judged by a jury of their peers. 2) The death penalty in Kansas is unfair. Race and the quality of an accused person’s lawyer play outsized roles in who gets the death penalty. These are unacceptable and unconstitutional reasons for a person to get the death penalty. 3) Finally, the death penalty in Kansas doesn’t make us safer. There is absolutely no evidence that capital punishment prevents future crimes. Nevertheless, Kansas spends huge sums of money on a system that doesn’t make Kansans safer.We’ll be in court this month, compelled by history and the pursuit of equal justice, to challenge Kansas’ racist, unfair, and unconstitutional death penalty law.
Briana on the Impact of Abortion Storytelling ACLU 2023-01-30 | Abortion storytelling can change perspectives and held shed light on what people have to endure in order to access abortion. Briana is an abortion storyteller with We Testify, an organization dedicated to the leadership and representation of people who have abortions. We Testify unapologetically believes that people who have abortions are our future. We Testify believes that everyone who has abortions deserves unconditional love and support. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for. Learn more at https://www.wetestify.org.
Cazembe on Why We Need More Than Roe ACLU 2023-01-30 | Bans on abortion are part of a larger system of oppression aimed at politicizing our bodily autonomy and taking away our most fundamental rights.Cazembe is an abortion storyteller with We Testify, an organization dedicated to the leadership and representation of people who have abortions. We Testify unapologetically believes that people who have abortions are our future. We Testify believes that everyone who has abortions deserves unconditional love and support. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for. Learn more at https://www.wetestify.org.
Angel on Abortion Storytelling in Texas ACLU 2023-01-30 | We deserve the right to have abortions. We deserve the right to make decisions for our own bodies. Angel is an abortion storyteller with We Testify, an organization dedicated to the leadership and representation of people who have abortions. We Testify unapologetically believes that people who have abortions are our future. We Testify believes that everyone who has abortions deserves unconditional love and support. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for. Learn more at https://www.wetestify.org.
Maleeha on the Role of Abortion Storytellers Post-Roe ACLU 2023-01-30 | No matter what your reason for getting an abortion is, it is the right reason — and you are not alone.Maleeha is an abortion storyteller with We Testify, an organization dedicated to the leadership and representation of people who have abortions. We Testify unapologetically believes that people who have abortions are our future. We Testify believes that everyone who has abortions deserves unconditional love and support. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for. Learn more at https://www.wetestify.org.
Veronika on Building a Community of Abortion Storytellers ACLU 2023-01-30 | Abortion storytelling can give others the confidence and courage to share their stories, too. Briana is an abortion storyteller with We Testify, an organization dedicated to the leadership and representation of people who have abortions. We Testify unapologetically believes that people who have abortions are our future. We Testify believes that everyone who has abortions deserves unconditional love and support. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for. Learn more at https://www.wetestify.org.
Abortion Storytellers on Life After Roe ACLU 2023-01-30 | The last time we talked to Angel, Briana, Cazembe, Maleeha, and Veronika, abortion was still a constitutional right across the country. One year later, we reached out to them to talk about what abortion activism looks like in a post-Roe world, and how abortion storytelling continues to change minds. Go to aclu.org/news/reproductive-freedom/what-its-like-to-fight-for-abortion-rights-post-roe to read more from our most recent conversation with them. Angel, Briana, Cazembe, Maleeha, and Veronika are storytellers with We Testify, an organization dedicated to the leadership and representation of people who have abortions. We Testify unapologetically believes that people who have abortions are our future. We Testify believes that everyone who has abortions deserves unconditional love and support. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for. Learn more at https://www.wetestify.org.
The 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade ACLU 2023-01-22 | We will never stop using our collective power to fight for our right to reproductive freedom — at every level of government, in every corner of the nation.The fight continues.
Gender-Affirming Care is Life-Saving Care ACLU 2022-12-02 | In 2021, the Arkansas Legislature passed a law, HB 1570, that prohibits health care professionals from providing or even referring transgender young people for medically necessary health care. Every child deserves access to the essential, life-saving care they need, so we filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Arkansas' law. We're representing four families with transgender children who joined our lawsuit to protect access to gender affirming care for all youth who need it.To learn more about HB 1570, our lawsuit, and our clients, visit aclu.org/cases/brandt-et-al-v-rutledge-et-al
ACLU REACTS | Racial Profiling ACLU 2022-11-21 | Our government for too long has used “national security” as an excuse for the unconstitutional profiling of Muslim, Black, Brown, and other marginalized communities — and frankly, it’s bullshit.We should not have to live in fear of being targeted by law enforcement because of the color of our skin, the religion we practice, or where we were born.
The Civil Rights Movements Smallest Freedom Fighter’ ACLU 2022-11-07 | Sheyann Webb-Christburg shares her story of marching to Selma against the odds, and the responsibility that comes with the right to vote.To learn more about Sheyann and her decades of activism, visit aclu.org/news/voting-rights/the-civil-rights-movements-smallest-freedom-fighter-on-the-power-of-your-vote
My Son Was Handcuffed for 99 Hours: Abuse in the LA County Jail System ACLU 2022-10-25 | Like thousands of people with serious mental illness, Celia Banos' son, Jhean Banos, cycles in and out of the Los Angeles County Jail system. This cycle repeats itself because the county does not fund robust mental health services and alternatives to incarceration. Since 1978, the ACLU has served as a court-appointed monitor of the LA County Jail system, gathering information from the county and from incarcerated people in order to advocate on their behalf when jail conditions fall below basic constitutional standards of safety, hygiene and decency. In the summer of 2022, Jhean, was one of many who suffered from pervasive abuse in the Inmate Reception Center. Years ago, the LA County Board of Supervisors committed to a “care first, jails last” approach to mental health treatment, but the Board of Supervisors has yet to commit to a timeline for establishing the thousands of community beds and services needed to reduce overcrowding and stop the cycle of people coming in and out of jail because they cannot access necessary mental health care, substance use treatment, or housing.To learn more about Celia and Jhean, and the conditions in the LA County Jail system, please visit: aclu.org/news/criminal-law-reform/la-countys-failure-to-invest-in-alternatives-to-incarceration-fuels-inhumane-jail-conditions
Protect TPS Holders: Imaras Story ACLU 2022-10-13 | Imara Ampie and her husband are TPS holders from Nicaragua. They own a home in Northern California and have lived in the United States for more than 20 years. Imara is a plaintiff in Ramos v. Mayorkas, where she is challenging the Trump administration’s termination of TPS for Nicaragua. She is one of over 300,000 TPS holders at risk of deportation and family separation whose fate now rests with the Biden administration.To learn more about Imara, visit: aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/the-us-government-gave-them-protection-now-it-may-take-it-awayTo take action and tell the Biden administration to protect TPS holders, visit: action.aclu.org/send-message/keep-families-together-and-protect-tps-holders
Protect TPS Holders: Keshavs Story ACLU 2022-10-13 | Keshav Raj Bhattarai and his wife came to the United States in May of 2015 around the time a 7.8-magnitude earthquake tore through Nepal, killing thousands and leaving much of their home city of Kathmandu in rubble. In June of 2015, the Obama administration designated Nepal for Temporary Protected Status, based on the devastation from the earthquake. Keshav and his family were relieved to be able to apply for and receive TPS while their country was struggling to rebuild.In 2018, President Trump removed protections for Nepal while the country was still recovering from the massive damage caused by the earthquake, in addition to other problems.Keshav is now one of over 300,000 people at risk of deportation and family separation from the Trump terminations. His fate now rests with the Biden administration.To learn more about Keshav, visit: aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/the-us-government-gave-them-protection-now-it-may-take-it-awayTo take action and tell the Biden administration to protect TPS holders, visit: action.aclu.org/send-message/keep-families-together-and-protect-tps-holders
Protect TPS Holders: Soraydas Story ACLU 2022-10-13 | Sorayda Rodriguez grew up in rural Honduras, where she remembers being surrounded by violence from a young age. Some of her neighbors were massacred during a period of severe regional instability, and she recalls living in fear for her life.Sorayda fled to the United States to escape the instability in Honduras when she was a child. Around the time of her arrival in the U.S., Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras, killing thousands and displacing many more, and leading the U.S. government to designate the country for TPS. Now, Sorayda has lived in the U.S. for 24 years — more than half her life. She is married to another TPS holder, and worries continually that she and her husband could lose their TPS, and either be separated from their children or be forced to take them to an unfamiliar place, far from their home. Her children have never been to Honduras.Sorayda is a plaintiff in Bhattarai v. Mayorkas, where she is challenging Trump’s termination of TPS for Honduras.To learn more about Sorayda, visit: aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/the-us-government-gave-them-protection-now-it-may-take-it-awayTo take action and tell the Biden administration to protect TPS holders, visit: action.aclu.org/send-message/keep-families-together-and-protect-tps-holders
ACLU Townhall – How to Vote Your Values & Fight for Your Rights ACLU 2022-10-12 | From limiting abortion and how we vote to erasing transgender youth from public life and censoring what we can read and learn, politicians are attacking our fundamental rights as never before. Many of the elected officials who have enacted these radical policies think these issues are decided and they’ve won the battle. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. This November 8th, we have the power to send a message to elected officials about what we value and what we want them to prioritize. That power comes from you. During this town hall, we’ll show you how you can hold politicians accountable by engaging your networks. We’ll give you the tools to vote your values and have informed conversations with your friends and families. In addition, our experts will discuss what’s at stake for civil liberties in the midterms and brief you on how down ballot races like Secretary of State and District Attorney can tip the balance for or against civil liberties. Along the way, we’ll share our own moments of motivation and inspiration – as well as a special live performance at the end! SPEAKERS:Brigitte Amiri (She/Her) ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project Deputy DirectorSophia Lin Lakin, (She/Her) ACLU Voting Rights Project Interim Co-DirectorChase Strangio (He/Him or They/Them), ACLU Deputy Director for Transgender JusticeRebecca Lowell Edwards (She/Her), ACLU Chief Communications Officer aja monet (She/Her), Surrealist Blues Poet (Special Guest)Learn how to Vote for Your Values and Fight for Your RightsGo to aclu.org/voteyourvalues today.Join ACLU People Power’s Vote Your Values team to get connected with opportunities to reach voters in key states ahead of the midterms. Go to aclu.org/volunteer.
Voting rights are on the ballot ACLU 2022-10-06 | The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy — and this November, we’re voting to protect access to the ballot for all. Visit aclu.org/voteyourvalues learn more about how you can fight for our voting rights this election.
Vote Your Values, Fight for Your Rights ACLU 2022-08-23 | Elections have consequences. The people we elect have the power to protect our rights or...attack them. This year, we’ve seen politicians chip away at access to abortion, try to erase transgender youth from public life, censor what we read and learn, and limit how and when we vote. They think these issues are decided, but this November, we can use our votes to fight for our rights. We want you to pledge to vote your values and help to make sure your friends and family do, too. The ACLU has the tools and resources to enable you to do just that. Go to aclu.org/midterms-2022 to pledge to vote your values and learn how to fight for your rights.
The Trans Script - Paris’ Story ACLU 2022-07-08 | In their Trans Script, Paris describes how they found joy, friendship, and community in tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs). Paris’ love for tabletop role playing games is infectious, and shows the strength we can discover in ourselves when we embrace who we truly are. Working with illustrator Esther Lalanne (she/her) we brought Paris’ story of joy to life to show that there’s more to being trans than our gender.
The Trans Script - Mason’s Story ACLU 2022-07-08 | In his Trans Script, Mason describes the happiest day of his life. Mason always knew he wanted to be a parent but he was never sure he’d be able to overcome the barriers he faces as a trans man. The first day of being a father was transformative and eye opening. Working with illustrator Fredrik Andersson (they/he), we brought Mason’s story of joy to life to show that there’s more to being trans than our gender.
The Trans Script - Queen’s Story ACLU 2022-07-08 | In her Trans Script, Queen describes taking her first steps into her brand new home. Faced with housing insecurity and discrimination, Queen has spent much of her life struggling to find a place she could call her own, where she felt safe and free to be her whole self. Working with illustrator Bee Grandinetti (she/her), we brought Queen’s story of joy to life to show that there’s more to being trans than our gender.
Help is Here: The Fight for Abortion Access ACLU 2022-07-01 | "Help is Here: The Fight for Abortion Access” chronicles the steadfast work of abortion providers, clinic employees, abortion funds, and volunteers in Missouri and Southern Illinois, and their commitment to making health care accessible for all after Roe v. Wade. Donate to National Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.orgSix Ways to Join the Fight: aclu.org/news/reproductive-freedom/six-ways-join-fight-for-abortion-rights-roe-v-wadePlease sign up for ACLU's Abortion Activist Series to learn how you can keep up the fight for abortion access. We will share ways to get involved through rallies, activist trainings, and more: aclu.org/AbortionActivistFor those seeking care: Ineedana.org abortionfinder.org hopeclinic.comppslr.org/rlcPresented by ACLUDirected by Gwen SchroederProduced by Emily Geraghty and Sarah MichaelsExecutive Produced by Andrew Everett and Gwen SchroederDirector of Photography, Editor: Emily GeraghtyAdditional Camera: Molly KaplanAssistant Editor: Casey DohertySound Mixer: Matthew Wefel, Sean Kilker Interviews: Rebecca McCrayStory: Sophia Ebanks and Johanna SilverMotion Designer: Brandon Lake Color Grading by Irving HarveySupervising Colorist: Matthew GreenbergColorist: Ryan BergerFinishing Producer: Samuel GurskyFinishing Coordinator: Madz Smith-Ledford
Miss Peppermint and We Testify Abortion Storytellers on why Abortion Access is an LGBTQ Issue ACLU 2022-06-30 | On June 24, the Supreme Court issued a devastating ruling which overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated the federal right to an abortion. States have already begun banning abortion and criminalizing essential care throughout entire regions of the country. Trans and non-binary people are among those who will be disproportionally harmed by these restrictions.Join Miss Peppermint, the ACLU Ambassador for Trans Justice, as she sits down with We Testify Abortion storytellers Cazembe Murphy Jackson and Jack Qu’emi to discuss why LGTBQ rights are reproductive rights — and reproductive rights are LGBTQ rights.To learn more about the intersection of reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights, go to aclu.org/news/reproductive-freedom/why-we-use-inclusive-language-to-talk-about-abortion
ACLU Emergency Town Hall: Our Fight for Abortion Access ACLU 2022-06-30 | On June 24, the Supreme Court issued a shameful ruling explicitly overturning Roe v. Wade — turning its back on 50 years of precedent. The consequences of revoking the federal constitutional right to abortion will be immediate and far-reaching.During this emergency town hall, an expert panel of ACLU attorneys and advocates discuss the devastating impact this decision will have on reproductive rights across the country, the ACLU’s short- and long-term response, and the path forward. The speakers include Brigitte Amiri, ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project Deputy Director; David Cole, ACLU Legal Director; J.J. Straight, ACLU Liberty Division Deputy Director; and Rebecca Lowell Edwards, ACLU Chief Communications Officer.Join the fight for the long haul. Go to http://aclu.org/monthly and make your monthly gift today.Sign up for ACLU People Power's Abortion Activist Series to learn how you can fight for abortion access: http://aclu.org/AbortionActivistAbortion funds are a critical part of abortion access. Go to http://NNAF.org/ACLU to provide support for more than 80 local abortion funds across the country.
DaShaun Harrison on How to Achieve Systemic Equality ACLU 2022-06-22 | Since our nation’s founding, Black communities have been systemically locked out of opportunities in jobs, education, housing, and healthcare. We asked experts outside of the ACLU to dig into these urgent topics to share their visions of a more inclusive and equitable future. In this video, author and theorist Da’Shaun Harrison discusses how fatness—just as Blackness—is criminalized, penalized, objectified, and marginalized in our society, and how that leads to folks not getting the proper resources and care they need to survive.You can follow Da'Shaun and their work at twitter.com/DaShaunLHTo learn more about the ACLU's Systemic Equality Campaign, go to aclu.org/news/topic/systemic-equality-addressing-americas-legacy-of-racism-and-systemic-discrimination
Destin Jenkins on How to Achieve Systemic Equality ACLU 2022-06-22 | When it comes to systemic equality in the US, there’s a factor we can see walking down the street: our infrastructure. Could we address the racism embedded in infrastructure and city planning – where Black and Brown residents have been dispossessed and displaced for centuries? Where communities like Flint, Michigan still cannot access clean water due to government neglect? We sat down with Destin Jenkins, assistant professor of history at Stanford University, to discuss our history and how modern investments can advance racial and economic justice.You can follow Destin and his work at twitter.com/DestinKJenkinsTo learn more about the ACLU's Systemic Equality Campaign, go to aclu.org/news/topic/systemic-equality-addressing-americas-legacy-of-racism-and-systemic-discrimination
Jamira Burley on How to Achieve Systemic Equality ACLU 2022-06-22 | What would it look like to achieve true systemic equality? We asked experts outside of the ACLU to share their visions of a more inclusive and equitable future. Could we solve the gaps in our education systems -- where Black, Indigenous, Latinx students, and students with disabilities are still disproportionately attending overcrowded, overpoliced, and under-resourced schools? Where we spend less on the potential of our youth than we do on punishing people in prison? Activist and social impact strategist Jamira Burley explains how investing in education for all students can help address America’s legacy of racism and systemic discrimination.You can follow Jamira and her work at twitter.com/JamiraBurleyTo learn more about the ACLU's Systemic Equality Campaign, go to aclu.org/news/topic/systemic-equality-addressing-americas-legacy-of-racism-and-systemic-discrimination
Abortion Storytellers Want You To Know... ACLU 2022-05-13 | So many of us have a story to tell when it comes to abortion. No two abortion stories are the same, just as no two bodies are the same, but these abortion storytellers share one thing in common: the liberation they experienced as a result of their abortion. Having access to affordable abortion care opens the door to fulfilling educational and career goals, better parenting, staying true to gender identities, and other critical parts of life that everyone should have the ability to choose for themselves. No politician should make those decisions for us.Go to aclu.org/abortion-stories to read our abortion storytelling series in partnership with We Testify.We Testify is an organization dedicated to the leadership and representation of people who have abortions. We Testify unapologetically believes that people who have abortions are our future. We Testify believes that everyone who has abortions deserves unconditional love and support. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for. Learn more at https://www.wetestify.org.
Strategies for the End of Roe | At Liberty ACLU 2022-05-09 | On May 2nd, the news publication Politico leaked a draft of a majority Supreme Court opinion written by Justice Alito. The draft details the highly anticipated decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, known to the public as the case that could overturn Roe.Supreme Court decisions typically don’t come out until June, but this leaked draft, confirmed by Justice Alito himself, has sent early shockwaves across the country. In the draft majority opinion, Justice Alito writes that both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, decisions that have been on the books for up to 50 years, are overturned, making access to abortion no longer a legally protected right. Should this draft hold, this decision would turn back the clock on progress for people who can get pregnant and call into question much more than access to abortion.Joining us to help us understand is Brigitte Amiri, the Deputy Director of the ACLU’s Reproductive Freedom Project.We have a long fight ahead of us—but the ACLU was made for moments like this. To donate to support our fight against this attack on reproductive autonomy and all the attacks that follow, please visit aclu.org/keepfighting. Thank you for stepping up and working together with us.
ACLU Emergency Town Hall: Fighting for Abortion Without Roe ACLU 2022-05-06 | On Monday, May 2, a draft of the highly anticipated Supreme Court opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was leaked. The draft majority opinion, penned by Justice Alito, overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, which has ensured abortion is a protected federal constitutional right for nearly 50 years. If this draft opinion is issued as the official decision at the end of June, it would be unprecedented and would force millions of people to remain pregnant against their will. The language in the draft also calls into question far more than abortion access. During this emergency town hall, a panel of ACLU experts breaks down what the Supreme Court’s leaked decision signals about its ultimate ruling, what an end to Roe v. Wade would mean for reproductive freedom, how the ACLU is fighting back, and what you can to do to help. The speakers include Brigitte Amiri, ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project Deputy Director; David Cole, ACLU Legal Director; Michele Goodwin, ACLU National Board Member and Chancellor’s Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine; J.J. Straight, ACLU Liberty Division Deputy Director; and Rebecca Lowell Edwards, ACLU Chief Communications Officer. Join the fight for the long haul. Go to http://www.aclu.org/monthly and make your monthly gift today. Abortion funds are a critical part of abortion access, and their role will become even more important if Roe is overturned. Go to http://www.bit.ly/NNAF-abortionfunds on ActBlue's website to provide support for more than 80 local abortion funds across the country. Take our pledge and join the ACLU's People Power network as a defender of abortion rights: http://www.aclu.org/abortion-pledge
DEFENDING TRANS YOUTH AND STUDENTS’ RIGHT TO LEARN ACLU 2022-04-12 | Across the country, we are facing a surge of discriminatory legislation targeting trans youth and students’ right to learn free from censorship. Just three months into 2022, state lawmakers have proposed more than 200 anti-LGBTQ measures in 35 states, overwhelmingly aimed at trans youth, and more than 110 measures across 33 states that would restrict discussions about race, gender, and sexual orientation in the classroom. At the same time, politicians and school boards are moving to ban books from public schools and libraries, largely by Black and LGBTQ authors. During this town hall, you’ll hear from a panel of ACLU legal and advocacy experts on the scope of these threats, why they’re happening now, how the ACLU is fighting back, and what you can do to help. The speakers include Chase Strangio, ACLU Deputy Director for Transgender Justice; Emerson Sykes, Senior Staff Attorney, ACLU Speech Privacy & Technology Project; and Rebecca Lowell Edwards, ACLU Chief Communications Officer. Show your support for students' right to learn by signing the ACLU pledge: http://www.aclu.org/RightToLearn Show your support for trans youth by signing the ACLU’s parent pledge: http://www.aclu.org/SupportTransYouth Visit http://www.aclu.org to stay updated on the ACLU’s work and to join the fight.▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬00:00 Intro01:15 Why is Texas trying to take trans kids away from their supportive parents?06:21 State legislative threats targeting trans youth09:14 State legislative threats targeting students' right to learn13:37 The motivating forces behind these threats21:08 The impact on trans kids and their parents28:03 The impact on students and teachers32:19 How the ACLU is fighting back36:45 How you can help
ACLU Lawyer Ria Tabacco Mar on the Path to Gender Justice ACLU 2022-03-23 | When Ruth Bader Ginsburg co-founded the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project in 1972, she recognized that laws that stereotype by gender hurt everyone — no matter your gender. That’s why some of the Women's Rights Project's early cases involved men who had been discriminated against — and it’s why many of our recent legal battles for the rights of trans and non-binary people are rooted in the same cases that pioneered women’s rights decades ago.Today, WRP is headed by Director Ria Tabacco Mar. She explains more about why women’s rights are inextricably linked to the broader fight for gender justice.
The Act of Freedom #Shorts ACLU 2022-02-28 | The ACLU worked with visual artists to create images visualizing Black joy after achieving Systemic Equality. Eliana Rodgers, a Brooklyn-based illustrator, is one of those artists. She shared this statement about the piece she made.Subscribe to the ACLU: youtube.com/channel/UC7M42vQrNmZ0tnmmenLWwBA?sub_confirmation=1Know your rights: aclu.org/know-your-rightsWebsite: aclu.org Instagram: instagram.com/aclu_nationwide Twitter: twitter.com/ACLU Facebook: facebook.com/aclu
Black Joy is Eternal #Shorts ACLU 2022-02-27 | The ACLU worked with visual artists to create images visualizing Black joy after achieving Systemic Equality. Thaddeus Coates, a multi-talented artist, created a piece for this series. He shared this statement about the piece he made.Subscribe to the ACLU: youtube.com/channel/UC7M42vQrNmZ0tnmmenLWwBA?sub_confirmation=1Know your rights: aclu.org/know-your-rightsWebsite: aclu.org Instagram: instagram.com/aclu_nationwide Twitter: twitter.com/ACLU Facebook: facebook.com/aclu
Black Joy Leads to Liberation #Shorts ACLU 2022-02-26 | The ACLU worked with visual artists to create images visualizing Black joy after achieving Systemic Equality. Octavia "Ink" Mingerink is an illustrator, printmaker, graphic designer, and she is one of those artists. She shared this statement about the piece she made.Artist bio: Octavia "Ink" Mingerink is a local illustrator, printmaker, and graphic designer. She believes in art as a form of expression, using her art to represent those who are underrepresented while bringing social justice issues to the forefront. As an illustrator, Octavia is driven and inspired by Black women. She’s set out to push forward those who are severely underrepresented and even excluded from the art industry. She wants to see women that look like her at the helm and she reflects that in her art. Constantly utilizing bright colors and dynamic movement in each piece, Octavia loves to incorporate flowers throughout her work. Pushing the message that we should give ourselves our flowers and celebrate growth and joy. Artist statement: Black Joy is freedom. Black Joy is radical. The Black Joy to come from systemic equality would change the world. For my personal journey as an artist I’ve been given opportunities I never imagined with the help for my community, family and friends. Black Joy leads to liberation and the freedom of self expression. With this type of community and access to resources I’m starting to paint my canvas, I get to paint my future. Every Black artist deserves that freedom. Finding your identity comes when one is given access to knowledge without boundaries. Subscribe to the ACLU: youtube.com/channel/UC7M42vQrNmZ0tnmmenLWwBA?sub_confirmation=1Know your rights: aclu.org/know-your-rightsWebsite: aclu.org Instagram: instagram.com/aclu_nationwide Twitter: twitter.com/ACLU Facebook: facebook.com/aclu
ACLU Black Future Month Series: The Forwarding Address ACLU 2022-02-25 | Black Future Series continues to elevate Black Voices and envision a new future of justice and action. “The Forwarding Address” is an inspirational series of brief presentations reflecting life experience and forward-looking actions of social justice work. With closing address by former ACLU of Ohio Board President and Ohio State Professor of History, Hasan Kwame Jeffries. Brandon Greene, Director, Racial & Economic Justice Program, ACLU of Northern CAHousing, a Racial Justice Issue | Examining the impact of laws that criminalize those without housing, and the innovative work ahead to make housing a protected class. Report: Outside the Law: The Legal War Against Unhoused People aclusocal.org/sites/default/files/outsidethelaw-aclufdnsca-report.pdfMicheal Golliet, Intern, Data, DevelopmentCorporate Responsibility to the Wealth Gap | Tackling the 1965 Civil Rights act, William H. Brown, a prominent Black attorney who helped enforce the decree against AT&T joined the board of UPS which eventually led to more equitable hiring practices. The case is made that responsibility to help fix the wealth gap requires new thought in advancing opportunities while facing enormous economic changes today.Lewis Conway Jr., Campaign Strategist, NPADRunning with Conviction | The future of participatory democracy will rely heavily on the engagement, politicization, and leadership of justice-impacted communities. As what we call 'Democracy' faces an existential threat from within, Americans that have been historically penalized, criminalized, and disenfranchised are ready, willing, and able to shoulder the burden of saving it.Texas Senate Bill “The Lewis Conway Bill” SB466: trackbill.com/bill/texas-senate-bill-466-relating-to-the-eligibility-of-persons-finally-convicted-of-a-felony-to-run-for-certain-public-offices/1654467Dillon Nettles, Policy & Advocacy Director, ACLU of ALThe Southern Voting Right Project | The opportunities to continue to improve the political landscape rests with the South. The Southern Voting Rights Project at the ACLU affiliate level has many roads ahead to the midterms in 2022 and the 2024 election.Anderson Curtis, Senior Policy Organizer, ACLU of CTPardon My Persistence | A triumphant story of overcoming policies and discrimination as a person formerly incarcerated while working to change these same policies in Connecticut. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., Author, Associate Professor, Ohio State University; President, Board of Directors, ACLU of Ohio 2019-2022, Vice president 2014-2019The Forwarding Address | American Democracy is at its breaking point, under attack by those who seek to maintain the power structures of exclusionary policies. White Supremacy is a principle threat to the fabric of our democracy, requiring a shared understanding risk by all citizens. #BlackFuture #ACLU #BlackERG #policy #BlackMenERG #politics #leadership #organizers #grassroots #movement #diversity #inclusion #equity #equality #America #civil #liberties #rights #racism #justice #power #policy #law
