ACLU of Texas Legal Program

The ACLU of Texas legal program works in courts to defend the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights:

• Your First Amendment rights-freedom of speech, association and assembly. Freedom of the press, and freedom of religion supported by the strict separation of church and state.
• Your right to equal protection under the law - equal treatment regardless of race, sex, religion or national origin.
• Your right to privacy - freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairs.

We work also to extend rights to segments of our population that have traditionally been denied their rights, including people of color; lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people; women; mental-health patients; prisoners; people with disabilities; and the poor.

The ACLU of Texas Seeks a Senior Staff Attorney (Racial Justice)
The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas (“ACLU TX”) invites applications for the position of senior staff attorney. The ACLU is a nationwide, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with more than 500,000 members dedicated to the principles of liberty and equality embodied within the U.S. Constitution. ACLU TX is a leader in the field of advocacy that addresses various problems facing today’s racial and ethnic minority communities. Read More...

Know Your Rights: Student Expression and the Day of Silence
The ACLU of Texas wants all Texas students to have a safe and respectful learning environment, no matter what their sexual orientation is. This Friday, April 25th, students across the country will participate in a National Day of Silence to raise awareness about the harassment lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students face all too often in our public schools. To help protect your right to participate in this special day, the ACLU of Texas has put together this list of five things you need to know about your rights during Day of Silence: Read More...

ACLU of Texas Files Response to AG Opinion Request on Bible Course Law
AUSTIN, TX - The ACLU of Texas filed a response to Commissioner of Education Robert Scott’s request for the Attorney General’s opinion on whether HB 1287, enacted last year, requires school districts to offer the Bible curriculum set out in that bill. Read More...

The ACLU of Texas Seeks a Paralegal/Legal Advocacy Coordinator
The full-time Paralegal/Legal Advocacy Coordinator provides strategic support and coordination for the ACLU Foundation of Texas’ growing Legal Department. S/he will proactively identify, investigate and respond to alleged civil liberties and civil rights violations to achieve maximum impact on litigation, including investigating complaints in Texas and/or working with coalition partners, National ACLU and other ACLU of Texas departments. Additionally, s/he manages all filing and administrative support for the Department, which includes a Legal Director, Staff Attorney, and a Litigation Fellow. This position requires a self-directed, highly-organized person with energy and enthusiasm. Work weeks commonly in excess of 40 hours should be expected and occasional travel will be required. Read More...

Voting Rights Presentation Materials Now Available!
On March 8, 2008, the ACLU Foundation of Texas held a voting rights panel as a part of our 70th Anniversary Conference in San Antonio. The handouts from that panel are accessible below for your convenience. Read More...

International Human Rights Experts Denounce U.S. Record On Racial And Ethnic Discrimination
A United Nations committee today issued a strongly worded critique of the United States’ record on racial discrimination and urged the government to make sweeping reforms to policies affecting racial and ethnic minorities, women, and immigrants in this country. The American Civil Liberties Union called on the U.S. government to take vigorous steps to implement the committee’s recommendations and fulfill its human rights treaty obligations. Read More...

Texas School Board Agrees To Stop Teaching Unconstitutional Bible Class In Public Schools
The Ector County School Board agreed today to stop teaching a course in its public schools that unconstitutionally promotes a particular interpretation of the Bible that is not shared by Jews, Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and most Protestants. Read More...

Free Market Foundation, ACLU, Texas Eagle Forum PAC Win Preliminary Injunction Against Unconstitutional Law Criminalizing Citizen Speech on Speaker’s Race
Today, a broad-based coalition of plaintiffs won a preliminary injunction in U.S. District Court in Austin that now prevents the Texas Ethics Commission from enforcing a state law restricting individuals and groups from speaking out in the Texas Speaker’s race. Read More...

UN Demands US Government Answer for Border Wall
Today, the United Nations Committee charged with monitoring compliance with the International Convention on the Elimination All Forms of Racial Discrimination, an international treaty that was ratified by the U.S. in 1994, asked high-ranking U.S. government officials to explain the U.S.'s compliance, or lack thereof, with the treaty provisions that prohibit discrimination in areas such as housing, law enforcement, education, and the treatment of migrants. Since the treaty’s ratification, U.S. reporting on compliance has been inadequate, and this week’s hearings were no exception. Read More...

Federal Court Enjoins San Antonio’s Procession Ordinance
The ACLU of Texas was pleased to learn today that Federal Judge Xavier Rodriguez has temporarily enjoined the city of San Antonio from implementing a new procession ordinance. The injunction was issued after the ACLU of Texas filed a friend of the court brief in support of a legal challenge brought by a coalition of San Antonio parade organizers. Read More...

ACLU of Texas in Geneva to Testify On Ongoing Racial and Ethnic Injustice
An ACLU of Texas leader is testifying before the United Nations’ Committee this week on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on a flawed U.S. government report about racial discrimination in the United States. Read More...

Anti-War Protestors Victorious in Free Speech Suit
Yesterday, two protestors won the reversal of criminal convictions relating to their activities during a peaceful protest of the Iraq war at Camp Casey I, near the President’s ranch in Crawford, Texas. The protestors, Austin psychologist Dr. Em Hardy and retired attorney and Navy veteran Hiram Myers of Oklahoma, were arrested on April 14, 2006 after they erected the tent between fences on county roads to draw attention to the Iraq war. Read More...

Free Market Foundation, ACLU, Texas Eagle Forum PAC File Lawsuit Challenging State’s Ban on Free Speech
A broad-based coalition of plaintiffs today filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Austin that challenges a state law blocking individuals and organizations in Texas from engaging in true public debate over the election of the speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Read More...

ACLU of Texas Urges Court to Enjoin San Antonio Procession Ordinance
Today, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas (ACLU) and cooperating counsel from the law firm Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe, LLP filed an amicus (friend of the court) brief in support of a legal challenge to San Antonio’s new procession ordinance, saying the ordinance is too restrictive. Read More...

The Future of Texas: 70th Anniversary Conference
Join the ACLU March 8th in San Antonio for our 70th anniversary conference. Luminaries participating include Cecile Richards, Stephen Klineberg and many others. Read More...

Vidor School District Makes Pledge of Allegiance Optional After ACLU Challenge
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas applauded the Vidor Independent School District (VISD) Board of Directors today for revising district policy to protect students’ rights. Read More...

Are you ready to pick up the torch?
Join the ACLU of Texas in San Antonio for our 70th Anniversary Gala and Conference, March 8, 2008 on the Riverwalk! Learn more at www.aclutx70th.org! Read More...

Incarceration of Pregnant Woman Draws Local and National Criticism
Medical, Public Health, Child Welfare Advocacy Groups and Experts Ask Court to Free Amber Lovill Read More...

ACLU of Texas Applauds City of Lubbock for Reversing Censorship Decision
AUSTIN, TX - The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas (ACLU) today applauded the City of Lubbock for reversing its decision to censor two works of art during the December 7, 2007 First Friday Art Trail at the Buddy Holly Center. After the ACLU announced an investigation into censorship at the city-funded Center, City Manager Lee Ann Dumbauld told reporters that the City has concluded it should not restrict art exhibits. Read More...

ACLU of Texas Investigates Censorship at Buddy Holly Center
The ACLU of Texas has requested that the City of Lubbock disclose information about the censorship of artwork at the city-funded Buddy Holly Center. The ACLU initiated its investigation into the Center after two works of art were reportedly prohibited from being displayed during the First Friday Art Trail. Read More...

ACLU of Texas Defends Crawford Protestors’ First Amendment Rights
Oral argument will be heard today on the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas' (ACLU) appeal from the conviction of two Iraq war protestors for refusing to remove a tent from a ditch near President Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas. Read More...

ACLU Client Wins MLK Parade Permit
Ovide Duncantell and the Black Heritage Society Victorious in Coin Toss Read More...

ACLU Wins Changes to Houston Parade Ordinance
Yesterday, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas (ACLU) prevailed in another part of its challenge to the City of Houston’s revised parade ordinance when US District Judge Lee Rosenthal held the new ordinance’s fee waiver provision unconstitutional. Read More...

ACLUTX 2008 Summer Intern Announcement
The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas is accepting applications for summer 2008 law internships. The ACLU is one of the nation's foremost defenders of civil liberties and civil rights. We are a nonpartisan organization dedicated to defending the Bill of Rights through litigation, legislation, and public education. The Texas affiliate of the ACLU, founded in 1938, is headquartered in Austin, and includes a regional office in Houston and thirteen chapters with over 17,000 members statewide. Read More...

ACLU of Texas Urges Pearland ISD to Avoid Prayer at School Board Meetings
A volunteer attorney from the ACLU of Texas’ Houston Chapter will attend tonight’s meeting of the Pearland ISD Board of Trustees to address the issue of prayer at school board meetings. Read More...

ACLU of Texas Seeks a Temporary Full Time Intake Coordinator
The Intake Coordinator manages the intake and administrative aspects of the legal program, assists in various legal matters including the preparation and filing of legal documents with the courts, provides primary staff support to the Legal Director, and helps manage requests for legal assistance. This position requires a self-directed, highly-organized person. Read More...

ACLU of Texas Files Religious Discrimination Lawsuit Against Dallas Judge
Judge Improperly Demanded Sikh American Man Take Off His “Hat” In Courtroom Read More...

Landmark Settlement Announced in Federal Lawsuit Challenging Conditions at Immigrant Detention Center in Texas
The American Civil Liberties Union today announced a landmark settlement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that greatly improves conditions for immigrant children and their families inside the T. Don Hutto detention center in Taylor, Texas. Read More...

Se Anunció Acuerdo Histórico de la Demanda Federal que Desafía las Condiciones del Centro de Detención para Inmigrantes en Texas
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Judge Grants ACLU, MALDEF Request for Temporary Restraining Order in Immigration Ordinance Challenge
The ACLU Foundation of Texas won a request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) today to block implementation of an anti-immigrant ordinance in Farmers Branch. Read More...

Texas Parents Challenge Unconstitutional Bible Class in Public Schools
ACLU and PFAWF File Lawsuit Against Ector County School Board for Impermissibly Promoting Religion Read More...

VIDEO: Children Confined
View a short video about the children detained at the Hutto facility in Taylor, Texas -- children on whose behalf the ACLU is currently suing the Secretary of Homeland Security. Read More...

ACLU Challenges Illegal Detention of Immigrant Children Held in Prison-Like Conditions
The American Civil Liberties Union today filed lawsuits on behalf of ten immigrant children, challenging their illegal detention at the T. Don Hutto facility in Taylor, Texas. Read More...

Farmers Branch to Consider Repeal of Anti-Immigrant Ordinance Challenge by MALDEF and the ACLU
The Farmers Branch City Council voted yesterday to direct their City Attorney to draft a new ordinance effectively repealing the city’s anti-immigrant ordinance adopted on November 13, 2006. Read More...

State Court Judge Halts Farmers Branch Ordinance
ACLU and MALDEF Pleased That Unconstitutional Ordinance Will Not go Into Effect on January 12 Read More...

2007 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Program Launches
The ACLU Foundation of Texas' Legal Department is very proud to announce the launching of our Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Program for 2007. Each month an expert on constitutional and civil rights/civil liberties law will offer a CLE presentation on an issue of importance to the local legal community. Read More...

ACLU of Texas and NAACP prevail in Houston parade ordinance challenge
Today, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas (ACLU) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People of Houston (NAACP) prevailed in challenging the City of Houston’s parade permit ordinance. Read More...

Farmers Branch Documents Available Online
To see documents related to our case in Farmers Branch, click the links below. Read More...

ACLU, MALDEF File Temporary Restraining Order in Immigration Ordinance Challenge
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas (ACLU) filed a request for a temporary restraining order blocking implementation of an anti-immigrant ordinance adopted by the Farmers Branch City Council on November 13, 2006. The ordinance is scheduled to go into effect on January 12. Read More...

Farmers Branch City Council Proceeds with Implementation of Challenged Immigration Ordinance
Today, the Farmers Branch City Council refused to rescind or suspend implementation of the anti-immigrant ordinance it adopted on November 13, despite the submission of a recall petition signed by Farmers Branch residents and the legal challenge filed by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas (ACLU). Read More...

ACLU of Texas and NAACP challenge Houston parade ordinance
The ACLU and the NAACP filed suit in Houston federal district court challenging the City of Houston’s parade permit ordinance. Read More...

Grupo de derechos civiles registra desafio a ordenanza anti-inmigrante en Farmers Branch
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ACLU and MALDEF sue Farmers Branch challenging anti-immigrant ordinance
December 26--Today, the ACLU and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) filed suit in Dallas federal district court on behalf of Farmers Branch residents and landlords challenging that city’s recently adopted anti-immigrant ordinance. Read More...

ACLU, Texas Eagle Forum, Liberty Legal Institute and Others File Joint Brief Arguing CPS Must Comply with 4th Amendment
Today, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas joined with leading conservative and libertarian organizations to file a brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in support of the Gates family, in a case involving a warrantless raid of the Gates home and seizure of their children by the Defendants, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (CPS) and Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. Read More...

ACLU and ACLJ Urge Supreme Court To Enforce Texas Religious Freedom Act
Today, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation of Texas filed a joint friend of the court brief on behalf of Pastor Rick Barr and Philemon Homes, Inc. urging the Court to reverse a decision that sharply limited the reach of Texas's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Read More...

Criminal Trial Begins Monday In Crawford Protest Case
The jury trial of two Iraq war protestors charged with obstructing a street near President Bush’s Crawford ranch begins this Monday in Waco, Texas. Read More...

ACLU Response to Anti-Immigrant Proposals Passed in Farmers Branch
The ACLU of Texas today expresses its concern and disappointment over the City of Farmers Branch’s vote last night approving three anti-immigrant proposals, including a housing ordinance and an English-only resolution. Read More...

ACLU of Texas Files a Response to AG Opinion Request on Sex Offenders
On October 25, 2006, the ACLU of Texas filed a Response to Senator Jane Nelson’s Request for the Attorney General’s Opinion on whether a municipality may prohibit registered sex offenders from living in certain locations within the municipality. Read More...

ACLU Defends Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) today moved to intervene in a lawsuit filed by an Austin Utility District that seeks to throw out a key section of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the landmark federal law that ended the exclusion of African Americans from voting booths throughout the south. Read More...

ACLU Seeks Statutory Compensation for All Tulia Exonerees
Today the ACLU submitted a brief to the Texas Attorney General Greg Abbot arguing that all the individuals wrongfully imprisoned as a result of the now infamous Tulia scandal are entitled to full compensation under Texas law. Read More...

ACLU of Texas Applauds Court Decision to Let Stand a Ruling That Reversed the Conviction of Two Pregnant Women
We applaud the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals' decision to let stand a lower court’s ruling that Texas criminal statutes penalizing the delivery of a contolled substance to a child cannot be used to prosecute a pregnant woman for prenatal drug use. Read More...

ACLU Files Brief Opposing the Censure of Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathaniel Hecht
Today, the ACLU of Texas filed an amicus brief on behalf of Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathaniel Hecht, urging a Special Court of Review to reject a prior determination by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct that Justice Hecht should be censured for his public support of Harriet Miers when President Bush nominated Miers to the US Supreme Court. Tomorrow, a special tribunal appointed by the Supreme Court will commence in Fort Worth to determine whether Hecht violated two canons of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which the ACLU contends are impermissible restrictions on the freedom of speech. Read More...

ACLU of Texas Joins Nationwide Action Against NSA Snooping on Americans’ Phone Calls
Responding to reports that phone companies are turning over private details about Americans’ telephone calls to the National Security Agency, the American Civil Liberties Union today launched a nationwide initiative to end illegal government spying. The ACLU of Texas, in conjunction with nineteen ACLU affiliates across the country, submitted a complaint to the state Public Utility Commission asking for an investigation. Read More...

Hang up on phone company spying in Texas
Take direct action! Tell the Public Utility Commission of Texas not to let phone companies violate your privacy in the name of warrantless government spying on ordinary Texans. Read More...

'Spying Eyes' are an affront to the Constitution, and the rights of American Muslims
An ACLU of Texas boardmember writes in the Houston Chronicle, "For more than four years I have watched FBI agents pose inappropriate questions to my clients. In the name of the War on Terror, agents have questioned thousands of Muslims, often U.S. citizens, in violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution. ..." Read More...

PA Judge: Teaching Intelligent Design Unconstitutional
In a far-reaching decision, a federal district judge in Pennsylvania concluded that intelligent design is not science. Read More...

FROM THE LIBERTY BLOG: Parental Involvement / Judicial Bypass
"On Tuesday, family law attorney Rita Lucido, co-founder and board chair of Jane's Due Process, presented a continuing legal education course on Texas' parental involvement laws related to access to abortion by underage women..."

Passage of Proposition 2 Sets Back Civil Liberties for All Texans
Texans voted to amend our state Constitution to define marriage as being between a man and a woman, thereby denying the validity of domestic partnerships between both same- and opposite-sex couples. Read More...

FROM THE LIBERTY BLOG: Is Alito a Threat to Civil Liberties?
"Last Monday, President Bush nominated Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Samuel Alito Jr..."

Testimony Resumes in Johnson v. Wathan
Court resumed today after a four day recess, with Defendant Mathew Bowman and several witnesses taking the stand to refute Roderick Johnson's claim that prison officials at the Allred Unit ignored his repeated pleas for help, and were deliberately indifferent to the fact that he was being bought and sold as a sex slave between rival gangs. Read More...

Johnson v. Wathan Trial Update
Houston Chronicle reports Assistant Warden in prison sex slave case testified yesterday that prison employees investigating rape claims rarely interviewed the alleged perpetrators or checked their criminal history. Read More...

Prison Sex Slave Trial Going On Now in Wichita Falls
During the 18 months he was incarcerated on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Allred Unit, Roderick Johnson was bought and sold by prison gangs who raped, abused, and degraded him nearly every day. Read More...