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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Mar 11, 2015

U.S. Looks Overseas for Human Rights Abuses and Ignores U.N. Report Criticizing Its Youth Detention Practices at Home

Recently I visited a youth detention center in South Carolina. As I entered the facility, I saw a line of boys in jumpsuits march past with their arms behind their backs. The guard explained to me that they...

By By Mishi Faruqee, Juvenile Justice Policy Strategist, ACLU

Mar 11, 2015

Remembering the Sacrifices of Selma by Fulfilling its Promise

On March 7 and 8, ACLU joined more than 80,000 Americans in Selma, Ala., to commemorate those who marched and risked their lives in Selma 50 years ago. Their bravery led to the passage of the Voting...

By By Dale Ho, Director, Voting Rights Project, ACLU

Mar 10, 2015

Reflections From the Bridge: Where the Stain of Slavery and Segregation Met a Young Man's Courage and a Preacher's Dream

On March 7 and 8, ACLU joined more than 80,000 Americans in Selma, Ala. to commemorate those who marched and risked their lives in Selma 50 years ago. Their bravery led to the passage of the Voting...

By By Deborah J. Vagins, ACLU Washington Legislative Office

Mar 10, 2015

Cell Phone Records Can Show Where You Sleep and Where You Pray

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has become the latest federal appeals court to consider the question of whether law enforcement needs a warrant before it obtains cell phone location data. We have (with...

By By Nathan Freed Wessler, Staff Attorney, ACLU Speech, Privacy & Technology Project

Mar 10, 2015

The NSA Has Taken Over the Internet Backbone. We're Suing to Get it Back.

Every time you email someone overseas, the NSA copies and searches your message. It makes no difference if you or the person you're communicating with has done anything wrong. If the NSA believes your...

By By Patrick C. Toomey, Staff Attorney, ACLU National Security Project

Mar 6, 2015

Privacy Might Be Getting an International Champion

The U.N. Human Rights Council could take a big step this month toward protecting privacy rights around the world. At its ...

By By Jamil Dakwar, Director, ACLU Human Rights Program

The U.N. Human Rights Council could take a big step this month toward protecting privacy rights around the world. At its ...

By By Jamil Dakwar, Director, ACLU Human Rights Program