ACLU of Texas - Projects - Press Releases

For more information about issues presented to the media on various topics, please check our program pages to the right in the relevant issue area. If you are a member of the media and you wish to speak to the ACLU, please call 512-478-7300. If you are on deadline please tell us your deadline.

ACLU of Texas DISPATCH Newsletter

The DISPATCH Newsletters from the ACLU of Texas are archived here.

ACLU Statement on YFZ Ranch - May 2, 2008
ACLU of Texas has serious concerns about the handling of the government's raid on the FLDS compound in Eldorado and that the government is not adequately protecting the fundamental rights of impacted children, mothers, and religious communities. 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...

ACLU of Texas Questions Segregated School Program
AUSTIN, TX – The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas today filed an open records request asking that the Beaumont Independent School District disclose information regarding the “Big 3 Conference” held at West Brook High School on March 29, 2008. The ACLU initiated its investigation after learning that only African-American, male students were required to attend the program, which included topics such as “Home Life,” “Thug Life,” ”Peer Pressure,” and “Lack of Discipline.” 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...

ACLU of TX Urges State Legislators to Keep State and Local Criminal Justice Agencies out of Federal Immigration Enforcement
Richardson, TX – Rebecca Bernhardt, Policy Development Director for the ACLU Foundation of Texas, will speak this morning at the joint hearing of the House Committees on Corrections and County Affairs to urge legislators to keep state and local agencies from taking on federal immigration enforcement duties. 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...

Terri Burke Named Executive Director
The ACLU of Texas has named Terri Burke as its new Executive Director. 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 Releases New Report on Government “Fusion Centers”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) today released a report outlining serious concerns about new institutions called “fusion centers,” which have been created in over 40 states around the nation – including Texas. Read More...

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

New ACLU Report Details Pervasive Racial Discrimination in America
Today, the ACLU and the San Antonio Human and Civil Rights Coalition commemorate International Human Rights Day by calling on the Mayor and City Council to adopt a resolution committing to enact policies to eliminate racial discrimination in the city. 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...

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...

Happy Banned Books Week!
The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas (ACLU) is proud to release their 11th Annual Banned Books Report entitled “Free People Read Freely” as part of Banned Books Week, which is celebrated nationwide. Read More...

Federal Court Strikes Down National Security Letter Provision of Patriot Act
In an ACLU case, a federal court today struck down the amended Patriot Act’s National Security Letter (NSL) provision. The law has permitted the FBI to issue NSLs demanding private information about people within the United States without court approval, and to gag those who receive NSLs from discussing them. 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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ACLU Highlights Successes in the 80th Legislative Session
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas celebrates the day after Sine Die with many notable successes. Read More...

ACLU Relieved as House Bill 13 Dies on Point of Order
House Bill 13 died today on a point of order raised by Representative Lon Burnam. The bill had received a flurry of attention as a border security bill and for putting a massive intelligence database into the Governor’s hands. Read More...

ACLU Concerned as Senate Passes New Version of HB 13
After passing the House two weeks ago, House Bill 13 has now passed through the Texas Senate. The bill had received a flurry of attention as a border security bill and for putting the massive database into the Governor’s hands, but many of those provisions have been stripped from it. Read More...

ACLU Applauds Passage of Prison Rape Elimination Bill
House Bill 1944, which focuses on eliminating sexual assault in Texas Prisons, passed the Texas Senate yesterday. Read More...

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...

MALDEF, ACLU File Request for 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 today for a temporary restraining order to block implementation of an anti-immigrant ordinance which was recently approved by Farmers Branch residents through a public vote on Saturday, May 12, 2007. The ordinance is scheduled to go into effect on May 22, 2007. Read More...

ACLU and MALDEF Disappointed in Farmers Branch Election Results
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (ACLU) and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) expressed disappointment that residents of Farmers Branch voted to let an anti-immigrant ordinance go into effect and vowed to renew their legal challenge as a result. Read More...

Texas Youth Commission Taps Veteran ACLU Leader as Ombudsman
William C. Harrell, Head of the ACLU of Texas, takes up role in agency he helped to restructure Read More...

Sweeping TYC Reform Bill Passes Senate Unanimously
SB 103, the omnibus reform legislation on the Texas Youth Commission, passed the State Senate unanimously today. Both the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (ACLU) and the Texas Coalition Advocating Justice for Juveniles (TCAJJ) were thrilled to see the comprehensive bill pass so quickly after tumultuous weeks of scandals and revelations at the TYC. 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...

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

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 Hosts Shut Up & Sing Screening in Houston
The Weinstein Company and ACLU of Texas Will Host Special Screening of Dixie Chicks Documentary and Discussion with Filmmaker 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 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 Shares United Nation’s Concern About Increased Level of Militarization on Border
Committee spotlights issue significantly overlooked in national immigration debate Read More...

ACLU of Texas calls Border Hearings a Political Farce
Laredo Hearing only meant to politically posture and polarize debate not inform public or Congress Read More...

Civic leaders and immigrant advocates come together to press for comprehensive immigration reform
A diverse group of organizations, united by the certainty that the nation needs comprehensive immigration reform to effectively secure its borders, will hold a press conference Friday, July 7, 2006 in Laredo. Read More...

ACLU of Texas Files Lawsuit Over Restrictions on Protesters Outside President’s Ranch
Plaintiffs include Cindy Sheehan, Daniel Ellsberg, and Ann Wright Read More...

Documents obtained by ACLU Reveal Lies from El Paso County Sheriff's Department
The ACLU of Texas released documents obtained through a public records request that show the El Paso County Sheriff's Department actively searching for undocumented immigrants. The Sheriff has in the past claimed they were only enforcing Texas law and not federal immigration law. Read More...

El Paso Sheriff makes a step in the right direction
The Border Network for Human Rights and the ACLU cautiously acknowledge positive step taken by sheriff's office to respond to community concerns. The Border Network for Human Rights and the ACLU Texas cautiously commend El Paso Sheriff Samaniego and demand further steps be taken to insure the protection of human and civil rights. Read More...

ACLU of Texas Condemns U.S. for Failing to Uphold Human Rights
On the same day that the American Civil Liberties Union released a report to the U.N. Human Rights Committee condemning the U.S. government for failing to comply with its treaty obligations to protect and preserve a range of human rights protections at home and abroad, the ACLU of Texas held a day of action designed to emphasize how a human rights framework can be used domestically. 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...

Racial Profiling Report Released
The Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, including the ACLU of Texas, Texas NAACP and Texas LULAC, released a new report on February 16th showing that racial profiling by law enforcement officers in Texas continues to be a problem. Read More...

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...

Jury Rejects Prison Rape Case
A Wichita Falls jury today rejected a civil lawsuit brought by Roderick Keith Johnson, a gay former Texas prisoner who was repeatedly raped and sold as a sex slave by prison gangs. Read More...

Recommendations for APD/COA on Rocha incident
The ACLU issues a media advisory regarding the protest and policy recommendations after the Rocha shooting in Austin. Read More...