
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.
Spread California Love for the Defiant Ones
Feb 28, 2018
In California, the broad “disruption or willful defiance” category is a legit reason to suspend students from school. This subjective category must be abolished - here's why.
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Frederick Douglass Turns 200. His Words and Resistance Remain Timeless.
Feb 14, 2018
Douglass’s life and words continue to illustrate the struggle of being Black in America. In honor of his legacy and the movement he helped lead, we have asked members of our staff to read passages from his work and reflect on the meaning of his words.
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Alameda Rejects Surveillance Deal with Company Tied to ICE
Feb 07, 2018
Last night, the Bay Area city of Alameda unanimously rejected a proposed $500,000 contract to purchase license plate reader technology from Vigilant, a company that recently sold ICE access to its nationwide database. This is a win for the rights of all residents.
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San Francisco’s D.A. Is Clearing Thousands of Marijuana Convictions. Others Around the Country Should Do the Same
Feb 05, 2018
Last week, San Francisco’s District Attorney, George Gascón, announced that his office would erase thousands of marijuana convictions from people’s criminal records. District Attorneys across the country should follow the will of voters and address the lasting damage caused by ineffective and racist drug arrests.
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The Shame of the State of the Union
Feb 02, 2018
There were many awful aspects of President Trump’s State of the Union message, but we have a personal perspective on one in particular, thanks to our work on behalf of immigrants who have been accused of being gang members based on dubious or non-existent “evidence.”
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Comprehensive Sex Ed Can Help Stop Sexual Harassment & Violence Before They Begin
Jan 29, 2018
If we want to be serious about making long-term cultural change to stop sexual harassment and violence, we should provide comprehensive sex ed in all of our schools..
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Fifty Years After MLK’s Death, We’re Still Fighting for Civil Rights
Jan 12, 2018
In commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and the Civil Rights Movement, we’ve put together some highlights of the work we’re doing to promote racial justice, stop discrimination based on race and ethnicity, and ensure equal opportunities for communities of color.
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A Fourth Young Immigrant Woman Is Being Blocked by the Trump Administration From Obtaining an Abortion
Jan 11, 2018
Earlier this week, we learned that a 17-year-old immigrant in government custody was being blocked by the Trump administration from obtaining an abortion. This isn't the first time.
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Los vecinos de Central Valley diseñaron su propia línea de transporte, y van para más
Dec 20, 2017
La comunidad de West Park se encuentra a menos de media milla de la ciudad de Fresno. Es un lugar pequeño, de unas 130 casas; una comunidad unida...
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These Central Valley Residents Designed Their Own Public Transit Line, and They’re Just Getting Started
Dec 20, 2017
West Park is a tightly-knit community, with around 130 homes, in the Central Valley. Unfortunately, the community lacks sidewalks, a sewer system, gutters, street lights, and more.
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Twitter Shines a Spotlight on Local Government Data Demands
Nov 27, 2017
Is law enforcement in your area demanding personal info from social media companies? Here's how to find out.
Read MoreBill of Rights Day #ACLUTimeMachine
Nov 15, 2017
For more than four decades, the ACLU of Northern California has hosted Bill of Rights Day to honor leaders who’ve made great contributions to civil liberties and individual freedom. It started in 1973 when we recognized Anthony Amsterdam, a Stanford law professor who argued Furman v. Georgia in front of the US Supreme Court. In a landmark decision, the court held that capital punishment const...
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