News

Our lawyers and advocates are among the nation's leading experts on civil liberties and constitutional freedoms. Read the latest on the ACLU of Northern California’s work. To schedule a press interview, call (415) 621-2493 or contact press@aclunc.org.

91 Percent of Americans Support Criminal Justice Reform, ACLU Polling Finds

Nov 16, 2017

The ACLU Campaign for Smart Justice released new public opinion polling today that shows consensus support for criminal justice reform across the ideological and political spectrum.

ACLU Report Shows Police Reform Needed in Fresno

Nov 14, 2017

San Francisco — The ACLU of California today released a report that identifies 146 officer-involved shootings by the Fresno Police Department between 2001 and 2016 and analyzes the department’s policies and practices related to use of force, transparency, and community relations.The report reveals a disparate impact of police shootings in low-income communities of color and shows how the departmen... Read More

California ACLU Launches Campaign to Urge Congress Members to Pass Dream Act Before End of Year

Nov 08, 2017

Today the three California ACLU affiliates launched a coordinated campaign to urge five key California Republican House members to support a clean Dream Act by the end of 2017.

ACLU Statement on Visalia Unified School District’s Proposed Changes to Dress Code

Nov 07, 2017

The ACLU of Northern California, Brianna Smith, a Visalia student activist, and ACT for Women and Girls based in Visalia, CA, are submitting public comments today regarding Visalia Unified School District’s proposed changes to the dress code banning “hate group” clothing being considered this evening by the School Board. ACLU Attorney Abre’ Conner, Brianna Smith, and students with ACT for Women an... Read More

Taylor Swift Attempts to Silence Critic, ACLU Fires Back

Nov 03, 2017

San Francisco — The ACLU of Northern California today sent a letter to Taylor Swift and her attorney refuting their meritless legal defamation threats against a local blogger.On Sep. 5, PopFront editor Meghan Herning wrote a post titled “Swiftly to the alt-right: Taylor subtly gets the lower case kkk in formation.” The post is a mix of political speech and critical commentary, and discusses the re... Read More

California ACLU Affiliates Call On CA GOP Representatives To Reject Trump’s Deal With Senate Republicans And Pass Clean Dream Act By The End Of The Year

Nov 02, 2017

Congress must pass a clean Dream Act before lawmakers leave town for their winter holiday recess. Due to the actions of President Trump immigrant youth are already losing protection from deportation. Congress must act now to provide them assurance they can stay in their homes and communities.

Statement on PJI’s National Report on Pretrial Justice, Giving California a “D” Grade for Pretrial Service and Need for Bail Reform

Nov 01, 2017

The Pretrial Justice Institute today released a national report on the state of pretrial justice in America and gave California’s current money bail system a letter grade of “D.” Read More

ACLU Statement on UC Berkeley’s Draft Policy on Campus Events

Oct 31, 2017

Students have the right to organize events to educate their peers and the community, even on short notice. Among other recommendations, we urge the University to adopt a clear public waiver process to provide more flexibility in their major events policy.

ACLU Calls on Alameda School District to Lift Black Lives Matter Ban

Oct 30, 2017

The ACLU of Northern California today sent a letter to the superintendent of the Alameda Unified School District urging him to reconsider an unlawful ban on Black Lives Matter signs and stickers.

California ACLU Affiliates Call On CA GOP Representatives To Join Bipartisan Push To Pass Clean Dream Act Before Winter Recess

Oct 26, 2017

Statement from Jennie Pasquarella, Director of Immigrants' Rights:“It is urgent that Congress pass a clean Dream Act before the winter recess. Congress must not leave town for their winter holiday recess without dealing with this vital issue. Immigrant youth are already losing protection from deportation, and need this assurance that they can stay in their homes and communities."There is bipartisa... Read More

After a Month of Obstruction by the Trump Administration, Jane Doe Gets Her Abortion

Oct 25, 2017

ACLU reaction: Justice prevailed today for Jane Doe. But the Trump Administration's efforts to interfere in women's decisions won't stop with Jane.

ACLU Comment on Newly Released Report on Pretrial Detention Reform in California

Oct 24, 2017

California's Pretrial Detention Reform Work Group today released a report that includes many encouraging recommendations to overhaul California’s fraught pretrial justice system.