News
ACLU of California Takes Immigration Reform Workshops on the Road
The ACLU of California is hosting a series of bilingual town hall-style meetings across the state to help community members learn about the Senate’s Federal Immigration Reform proposal and what it could mean for individuals and the community at…
California Makes Historic Leap to Bring Millions into the Democratic Process
In a move that leads the nation in reducing barriers and expanding opportunities for voter registration, California’s Secretary of State, Debra Bowen, is designating the state’s new Health Benefit Exchange, Covered California, as a voter registration agency under the National…
Important Voting Rights Bill Clears Assembly Elections Committee
SACRAMENTO – A bill that would uphold the constitutional right to vote for people sentenced under realignment was approved today by the California Assembly’s Elections and Redistricting Committee. The bill, A.B. 938, would make clear that all people in county…
California Senate Approves Common Sense Drug Sentencing Reform Bill
SACRAMENTO – The California state Senate today approved a bill that would reform California’s drug sentencing laws for simple possession, significantly reduce incarceration costs for counties and help the state end its ongoing incarceration crisis. S.B. 649, the Local Control…
Advocating for LGBTQ Youth
By Joey Hernandez Over the years, the north steps of the State Capitol have seen some fierce advocacy by queer youth from across the state of California. The ACLU of California is keeping that legacy alive in the 2013 legislative…
Students, Parents, and Teachers Sue the State of California For Abandoning Thousands of California’s English Learner Schoolchildren
Los Angeles—California has abandoned thousands of schoolchildren seeking to learn English despite legal obligations and earmarked funding for this instruction, charged the ACLU of California and allies in a civil rights lawsuit. The suit seeks to compel the state to…
ACLU Statement on Miranda Rights of Boston Bombings Suspect
NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union reacted to the apprehension of the suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing and statements from federal officials that he would be questioned without being read his Miranda rights. “The ACLU shares the…
ACLU of California Responds to Gang of 8 Immigration Plan
The statement below or any quotes from it can be attributed to Norma Chavez-Peterson, associate director of the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties. [Lea la declaración en español, aquí.] “The ACLU of California welcomes the federal comprehensive immigration…
SB 649: Drug Reform for Healthy & Safe Communities
Update: On May 1st, S.B 649, the Local Control in Sentencing Act, authored by Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), was approved by the Senate in a 23-14 vote, and moves now to the state Assembly for consideration. Read the entire…
ACLU: Protecting Civil Liberties in Immigration Reform Legislation
Statement of Anthony Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, in response to the first draft of immigration legislation presented by the Senate Gang of 8. The immigration reform bill has the potential to be a historic advance…
National Wave of Complaints Highlights Rampant Abuse by U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Washington, D.C. – Over the past week, an alliance of immigration groups, private attorneys and a law school clinic joined forces in filing complaints targeting abuses by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) across the country. Ten damages cases have been filed…
ACLU and Diverse Civic Leaders Form Initiative for Commonsense Immigration Reform
San Diego leaders joined together to undertake a broad-based initiative calling for comprehensive, commonsense immigration reform. The group brings together leaders from the business community, law enforcement, labor groups, faith-based organizations and others who have diverse perspectives on how best…
California Failing to Deliver Vital Instruction to Thousands of English Learner Students
The ACLU of California, the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) and the law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP today warned state education officials of possible litigation if they do not act immediately to provide essential language instruction to…
State Leaders, Women’s Groups Mark 40th Anniversary of Roe by Introducing Bill to Improve Access to Abortion Services
SACRAMENTO – On the 40th Anniversary of the landmark decision Roe v. Wade, state leaders, women’s health and rights groups, announced the introduction of a bill that would improve abortion access. The bill, AB 154, authored by Assemblymember Toni Atkins…
Oceanside Unchains the Melody
When a street musician was cited and found guilty of violating an Oceanside municipal code banning any form of live music on any public sidewalk, he reached out to the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties, believing his free…