Racial Justice

The ACLU works to stop discrimination based on race and ethnicity and to ensure equal opportunities for communities of color. We fight racial bias and advance civil rights.

A guide for free & low-cost sexual health care in CA Learn more

Race and justice in schools. Read more

What are your rights with the police? Read More

Fixing school discipline to support students of color. Read More

Blog

Trauma Informed Services to End Mass Incarceration

September 4, 2018

File Under :

Criminal Justice and Drug Policy, Racial Justice

Sammy A. Nuñez grew up in deep poverty in an abusive household. Today, he is a source of hope fighting for justice for his community, where there is a clear link between trauma and incarceration. Read more »

News

California Legislature Approves Historic Bill to Prevent Wrongful Convictions

August 31, 2018

File Under :

Criminal Justice and Drug Policy, Racial Justice

The CA Assembly approved important legislation that will prevent wrongful convictions due to mistaken eyewitness identifications, SB 923. Read more

News

California Passes Landmark Police Transparency and Accountability Legislation

August 31, 2018

File Under :

Criminal Justice and Drug Policy, Racial Justice

In an historic victory for police accountability, the CA Assembly approved SB 1421, which will make public information about certain abuses of power. Read more

Legislation

172 roses representing the 172 people killed by police

Police Use of Deadly Force (AB 931)

Issues :

Criminal Justice and Drug Policy, Racial Justice

Under AB 931, police would only be allowed to use deadly force if there were no reasonable alternatives available and if there was an imminent threat to the officer or another person’s safety.Read more »

News

Advocates Denounce Shelving of Bill that Would Have Reduced the Number of Police Shootings in California

August 30, 2018

File Under :

Criminal Justice and Drug Policy, Racial Justice

AB 931, a bill that would have changed the standard for when police can use deadly force was held in the California Legislature. Read more

News

Civil Rights Organizations Call on County of Sacramento to Repeal Anti-Panhandling Ordinance

August 28, 2018

File Under :

Economic Justice, Racial Justice

The ACLU Foundation of Northern California and Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) called on the County of Sacramento to repeal its unconstitutional ban on panhandling. Read more

News

ACLU of California Statement: Governor Brown Signs Bail Reform Legislation Opposed by ACLU

August 28, 2018

File Under :

Criminal Justice and Drug Policy, Economic Justice, Racial Justice

Today, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed into law Senate Bill 10, the California Bail Reform Act. Read more

Blog

Breaking the Cycle of Incarceration for Women

August 28, 2018

File Under :

Criminal Justice and Drug Policy, Racial Justice

Prosecutors and judges can stop harmful "generational incarceration" by looking at public safety with a trauma-informed eye on alternatives. Read more »

Events

Webinar: Election 2018, the ACLU, and YOU!

September 6, 2018 - 6:00pm

File Under :

Immigrants' Rights, Racial Justice, Reproductive Justice

Join us on Sep. 6 at 6 p.m. for a free webinar to learn how YOU can build power with the ACLU and elect leaders who protect the rights of all. Read more

Blog

Why Does the U.S. Prosecute and Incarcerate Children as Adults?

August 22, 2018

File Under :

Criminal Justice and Drug Policy, Racial Justice

Frankie Guzman was 15 years old the first time he committed a crime. Even though it was his first offense, the prosecutor pushed for harsh punishment, ignoring an alternative path to rehabilitation. Read more »