Blog

We can be pretty sure that each new day will bring two things: new threats to our civil liberties, and new stories of people standing up for their rights and winning. Behind every court ruling is a person. Behind every landmark law is a movement. Read the stories and hear the voices that ground our work.

Recognizing the Value of Black Lives is not Controversial

Nov 01, 2017

Alameda mom Dede Lewis fights the school district on its censorship of Black Lives Matter, says the value of white lives has never been up for debate.

In California, We Protect Our Values and Each Other

Oct 24, 2017

California is known for protecting the rights of marginalized people. The ACLU of California sponsored and supported incredible legislation that was ultimately signed by the governor. And we couldn't have done it without our partners.

The California Fight for Abortion Access for All: #ACLUTimeMachine

Oct 20, 2017

"Once the state furnishes medical care to poor women in general, it cannot withdraw part of that care solely because a woman exercises her constitutional right to have an abortion.”

Is the FBI Setting the Stage for Increased Surveillance of Black Activists?

Oct 18, 2017

A newly leaked FBI report contains troubling signs that the feds are scrutinizing and possibly surveilling Black activists in its search for potential "extremists."

Students Have the Right to Take a Knee

Oct 16, 2017

Today, students across the country are responding to the pre-game protests by professional athletes, when players during the National Anthem have chosen to kneel, sit, or raise a fist against police violence and state oppression of African-Americans and other people of color. Inspired, students have bravely followed suit.

Governor Brown Just Signed the California Values Act and here is Why It’s a Big Deal

Oct 05, 2017

Local law enforcement, in particular the Sheriffs in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, are fully entangled with immigration enforcement authorities and detain people on ICE’s behalf in our local county jails. In San Bernardino county, ICE agents are also allowed full and unfettered access to county jails. Nationally, 65-75% of deportations occur because of these entanglements.

Trump’s EPA is Harming California’s Farmworkers. You Have the Power to Help.

Oct 02, 2017

The people who grow our food shouldn’t have to risk getting sick just to do their jobs. But dozens of California-grown crops—including oranges, lemons, almonds, and walnuts—are often treated with a dangerous pesticide called chlorpyrifos that can cause asthma and brain damage. This toxicant is not safe for pregnant women and children to ingest even in trace amounts, but it is especially dangerous ... Read More

Black Athletes Are Not Objects for Our Entertainment but People from Families and Communities Impacted By Acts of Injustice. I Support Them.

Sep 26, 2017

While for some the jury may still be out on whether Trump is a white supremacist, there is the mounting evidence to support the claim.

Government Documents Show Creeping Covert Surveillance in Orange County and Beyond

Sep 20, 2017

Anaheim used a 'covert purchase' procedure to hide $700,000 worth of acquisitions, loaned its surveillance equipment out to other jurisdictions, and used the devices to investigate a much broader array of crimes than was originally promised.

Bail Reform: Not a Question of If, But When for California

Sep 18, 2017

Bail reform is gaining steam, and we couldn’t be happier. Across the country, counties and states are tackling problems with their money bail systems. Even Congress — dysfunctional as it can be — is taking a look at the issue. And, here in California, bail reform has become a top priority for state policymakers.Just last month, Governor Brown and Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye announced a plan ... Read More

The Pendulum Swings, But Let’s Look Back at How Far We’ve Come — #ACLUTimeMachine

Sep 08, 2017

From being jailed for having long hair to not being allowed to marry someone of another race, here’s a snapshot of what was going on with civil liberties 50 years ago.

Why Are Border Sheriffs Rushing to Adopt Iris-Recognition Technology?

Aug 29, 2017

As mobile iris-scanning apps and tools become available, racial profiling by law enforcement could lead to Latinos and people of color having their eyes scanned simply because they speak Spanish or have brown skin.