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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Sep 20, 2024

How Border Policing Harms Undocumented People Seeking Abortion Care

Reproductive Freedom
The ACLU’s latest report outlines how interior immigration checkpoints and anti-immigrant state policing trap noncitizens trying to leave Texas for abortion care.
The ACLU’s latest report outlines how interior immigration checkpoints and anti-immigrant state policing trap noncitizens trying to leave Texas for abortion care.
A U.S. border patrol agent.
A U.S. border patrol agent.
Aug 30, 2024

We Marched Peacefully for Racial Justice in Texas — And Were Sentenced to Jail

Free Speech and Pluralism
11 minutes. That’s about how long our peaceful march lasted. We spent more than 127 times that long in jail.
11 minutes. That’s about how long our peaceful march lasted. We spent more than 127 times that long in jail.
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Aug 16, 2024

Four Civil Rights Issues Facing Texas K-12 Students

Free Speech and Pluralism
Texas students deserve better than censorship, discrimination, and bullying from state politicians and special interest groups.
Texas students deserve better than censorship, discrimination, and bullying from state politicians and special interest groups.
An adult and two children learn about the Students' Rights Hub
An adult and two children learn about the Students' Rights Hub
May 9, 2024

In Austin, a Lawyer is a Luxury

Smart Justice
The ACLU and ACLU of Texas demand counsel at first appearance in a new lawsuit. A report, based on hundreds of bail hearings in Travis County, Texas, highlights why legal representation is crucial.
The ACLU and ACLU of Texas demand counsel at first appearance in a new lawsuit. A report, based on hundreds of bail hearings in Travis County, Texas, highlights why legal representation is crucial.
A cell door in a prison being locked by a gloved officer.
A cell door in a prison being locked by a gloved officer.
Apr 26, 2024

Open Letter to College and University Presidents on Student Protests

Free Speech and Pluralism
Academic freedom and free speech are essential. Universities must protect them.
Academic freedom and free speech are essential. Universities must protect them.
A faculty rally in favor of academic free speech is held in the main quad at Columbia University in New York.
A faculty rally in favor of academic free speech is held in the main quad at Columbia University in New York.
Mar 15, 2024

Giant Puppets Rally for Immigrants at the Texas Capitol

Border and Immigrants’ Rights
More than 1,000 people — with giant 15-foot puppets — rallied at the State Capitol in Austin to send a clear message: Immigrants are welcome here!
More than 1,000 people — with giant 15-foot puppets — rallied at the State Capitol in Austin to send a clear message: Immigrants are welcome here!
Two giant puppets greet attendees at an immigrants' rights rally
Two giant puppets greet attendees at an immigrants' rights rally