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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Aug 25, 2011

Breaking Schools' Rules: Watching for Potential Litigation

Students' Rights
By Mark Whitburn Senior Staff Attorney In its July 2011 report, Breaking Schools’ Rules, the Council of State Governments Justice Center...
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By Mark Whitburn Senior Staff Attorney In its July 2011 report, Breaking Schools’ Rules, the Council of State Governments Justice Center...
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Aug 15, 2011

Shackling Female Inmates During Labor And Childbirth Must Stop

Smart Justice
Matt Simpson Policy Strategist In 2009, the ACLU of Texas and the Texas Jail Project (TJP) worked with state legislators to pass laws protecting pregnant inmates and babies born to incarcerated mothers.  Our...
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Matt Simpson Policy Strategist In 2009, the ACLU of Texas and the Texas Jail Project (TJP) worked with state legislators to pass laws protecting pregnant inmates and babies born to incarcerated mothers.  Our...
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Aug 12, 2011

Breaking Schools’ Rules: Does school discipline correct misbehavior or is it a short-cut to jail?

Students' Rights
Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator The Breaking Schools’ Rules report shows that students of color are more likely to be...
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Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator The Breaking Schools’ Rules report shows that students of color are more likely to be...
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Aug 11, 2011

The Texas District & County Attorney Association and ACLU of Texas Agree …

Students' Rights
By Frank Knaack Associate Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Yesterday, the Star-Telegram...
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By Frank Knaack Associate Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Yesterday, the Star-Telegram...
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Aug 10, 2011

Breaking Schools’ Rules: Suspensions and expulsions are the gateway to dropping out

Students' Rights
Kirsten Bokenkamp, Communications Coordinator  The more often a student is disciplined at school, the more likely that student will drop-out.  Seems logical, but is it true?  When controlling for other...
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Kirsten Bokenkamp, Communications Coordinator  The more often a student is disciplined at school, the more likely that student will drop-out.  Seems logical, but is it true?  When controlling for other...
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Aug 8, 2011

Attorney General’s Ruling Leaves Cameron Todd Willingham’s Case Unresolved

Smart Justice
Kirsten Bokenkamp, Communications Coordinator Texas leads the country in executions, and Attorney General Greg Abbott’s recent decision is yet another turn in Texas’ death penalty saga.  Based on Abbott’s...
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Kirsten Bokenkamp, Communications Coordinator Texas leads the country in executions, and Attorney General Greg Abbott’s recent decision is yet another turn in Texas’ death penalty saga.  Based on Abbott’s...
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