News and Commentary

As the leading civil rights organization in the Lone Star State, we at the ACLU of Texas believe it is our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.

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Jul 6, 2023

The 88th Texas Legislature's Regular Session

This session was one of the most authoritarian yet. Here are some ways our lives will change because of it.
This session was one of the most authoritarian yet. Here are some ways our lives will change because of it.
Banner with various photos
Banner with various photos
Jun 9, 2023

Will Customs and Border Protection's Revised Vehicle Pursuit Policy Make Us Safer?

Border and Immigrants’ Rights
CBP vehicle pursuits have caused dozens of deaths — here’s what you need to know about the new policy.
CBP vehicle pursuits have caused dozens of deaths — here’s what you need to know about the new policy.
U.S. Border patrol vehicles converge with local police car by border fence.
U.S. Border patrol vehicles converge with local police car by border fence.
May 22, 2023

Keep Religion Out of Texas Public Schools

Free Speech and Pluralism
The same lawmakers banning books and censoring curricula now want to dictate what students worship.
By Rev. Erin Walter
The same lawmakers banning books and censoring curricula now want to dictate what students worship.
By Rev. Erin Walter
Students' Rights and Religious Liberty
Students' Rights and Religious Liberty
Apr 3, 2023

No Texan Should Go to Jail for Exercising Our Constitutional Right To Protest

Free Speech and Pluralism

We're appealing the convictions of three community organizers in Gainesville, Texas, who were sentenced to jail for peacefully protesting.

We're appealing the convictions of three community organizers in Gainesville, Texas, who were sentenced to jail for peacefully protesting.

An image of PRO Gainesville community organizers and an image from the protest.
An image of PRO Gainesville community organizers and an image from the protest.
Feb 24, 2023

The Real Impact of Border Patrol on My Home in South Texas

Border and Immigrants’ Rights
Border Patrol’s presence does not improve the safety of our community but instead makes people feel unsafe and less likely to seek out fundamental needs.
By Victoria Guerrero
Border Patrol’s presence does not improve the safety of our community but instead makes people feel unsafe and less likely to seek out fundamental needs.
By Victoria Guerrero
Border Report press conference
Border Report press conference
Feb 23, 2023

Texas’ Attempt to Tear Parents and Trans Youth Apart, One Year Later

LGBTQIA+ Equality
As our fight to keep families together continues in court, the persecution of transgender youth in Texas continues.
By Brian Klosterboer
As our fight to keep families together continues in court, the persecution of transgender youth in Texas continues.
By Brian Klosterboer
A protest sign reading "Protect Trans Kids."
A protest sign reading "Protect Trans Kids."