The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1920, dedicated to defending and preserving individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. With affiliates in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, the ACLU engages in litigation, lobbying, and public education to protect civil rights.
Mission and Activities:
- Legal Advocacy: The ACLU provides legal assistance in cases where civil liberties are at risk, offering direct legal representation and filing amicus curiae briefs.
- Policy Lobbying: Beyond the courtroom, the ACLU lobbies for policies that uphold civil liberties, addressing issues such as free speech, voting rights, and privacy protections.
- Public Education: The organization educates the public about civil rights through reports, workshops, and community outreach, aiming to foster a more informed citizenry.
Recent Initiatives:
- Opposition to Passport Policy Changes: The ACLU is challenging the Trump administration’s policy restricting gender marker changes on U.S. passports, arguing that it discriminates against transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals.
- Defense Against Deportation Practices: In response to the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan nationals, the ACLU filed a lawsuit, leading to legal proceedings that question the legality of these deportations.
- Protection of Free Speech on Campuses: The ACLU has expressed concerns over the administration’s investigations into alleged antisemitism at universities, cautioning that such actions might infringe on free speech rights.
Leadership:
- President: Deborah Archer
- Executive Director: Anthony Romero
For more information or to get involved, visit the ACLU’s official website at.