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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Oct 17, 2019

Drama Continues in Galveston County Bail Lawsuit, with One Silver Lining

Smart Justice

Imagine being arrested and accused of a crime. You ask to speak to a lawyer — like most people do — but that request is ignored. Your only way to avoid being locked up is to have $2,000 ready to pay money...

Imagine being arrested and accused of a crime. You ask to speak to a lawyer — like most people do — but that request is ignored. Your only way to avoid being locked up is to have $2,000 ready to pay money...

Coast of Galveston, Texas
Coast of Galveston, Texas
Oct 4, 2019

Texas Plans to Execute Jewish Man Denied a Fair Trial by an Anti-Semitic Judge

UPDATE: On Friday, October 4, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, where Randy Halprin had sought relief before turning to the U.S. Supreme Court, granted a stay of execution. We commend this decision...

By Heather L. Weaver

UPDATE: On Friday, October 4, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, where Randy Halprin had sought relief before turning to the U.S. Supreme Court, granted a stay of execution. We commend this decision...

By Heather L. Weaver
Image of the supreme court building in Washington, DC
Image of the supreme court building in Washington, DC
Oct 3, 2019

Trump’s War on Asylum-Seekers is Endangering Pregnant Women

Border and Immigrants’ Rights

The view from the Matamoros, Mexico side of the Rio Grande — just across from Brownsville, Texas — reveals an unsettling scene.

Young women and children bathe openly in the murky green water, while...

The view from the Matamoros, Mexico side of the Rio Grande — just across from Brownsville, Texas — reveals an unsettling scene.

Young women and children bathe openly in the murky green water, while...

Matamoros MPP Mother
Matamoros MPP Mother
Sep 30, 2019

I Was Arrested for Voting, but I Won’t Let the Government Intimidate Me

Voting Rights and Democracy

This piece originally appeared at the...

By Crystal Mason

This piece originally appeared at the...

By Crystal Mason
Crystal Mason
Crystal Mason
Sep 20, 2019

How Students, Parents, and Teachers Can Address Discrimination in Schools

Students' Rights
With the school year underway, thousands of students around Texas have settled in for another year of learning and academic achievement. 
 
Of course, we all know that for many...
By Brian Klosterboer
With the school year underway, thousands of students around Texas have settled in for another year of learning and academic achievement. 
 
Of course, we all know that for many...
By Brian Klosterboer
Image: A stylized photo shows a school building with a flag pole in front.
Image: A stylized photo shows a school building with a flag pole in front.
Sep 16, 2019

Redistricting Will Shape Our Next 10 Years

Voting Rights and Democracy

I’ve got a secret for you, one that some Lone Star State politicians might not want you to know. An important statewide process is getting started ahead of the 2021 legislative session, a process that...

By Terri Burke, Executive Director, 2008-2020

I’ve got a secret for you, one that some Lone Star State politicians might not want you to know. An important statewide process is getting started ahead of the 2021 legislative session, a process that...

By Terri Burke, Executive Director, 2008-2020
Texas Capitol blue yellow halftone
Texas Capitol blue yellow halftone