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.

Filter News
Aug 12, 2019

One Person, One Vote: Where Texas Draws the Line

Voting Rights and Democracy

We often hear how important it is to show up at the polls to cast our ballots. What we hear less often is that there’s another, just as important electoral process to participate in: redistricting. And the...

We often hear how important it is to show up at the polls to cast our ballots. What we hear less often is that there’s another, just as important electoral process to participate in: redistricting. And the...

redistricting
redistricting
Jul 19, 2019

Crystal Mason Thought She Had the Right to Vote. Texas Sentenced Her to Five Years in Prison for Trying.

Voting Rights and Democracy
Crystal Mason, a Texas mother of three, is on her way to a job interview but first needs to get her hair done. She stops by the Straight Line Barber Lounge, where the barber is a friend. As they chat, the...
Crystal Mason, a Texas mother of three, is on her way to a job interview but first needs to get her hair done. She stops by the Straight Line Barber Lounge, where the barber is a friend. As they chat, the...
Crystal Mason Header
Crystal Mason Header
Jul 17, 2019

There’s a Sanctuary City Problem in Texas. But it’s Not What You Think.

Reproductive Freedom
If the phrase “sanctuary city for the unborn” sounds like something out of a dystopian fiction novel, I have some bad news. 
 
Mineral Wells, Texas, a small community near Fort Worth,...
If the phrase “sanctuary city for the unborn” sounds like something out of a dystopian fiction novel, I have some bad news. 
 
Mineral Wells, Texas, a small community near Fort Worth,...
Abortion Waskom
Abortion Waskom
Jul 9, 2019

Know Your Rights: What to do if ICE Comes to Your Home

Border and Immigrants’ Rights
Recent threats by federal officials of mass immigration raids have exacerbated feelings of fear and uncertainty that many undocumented individuals and mixed status families face living in the U.S. As ICE...
By Edgar Saldivar
Recent threats by federal officials of mass immigration raids have exacerbated feelings of fear and uncertainty that many undocumented individuals and mixed status families face living in the U.S. As ICE...
By Edgar Saldivar
Raid ICE immigration immigrant
Raid ICE immigration immigrant
Jun 28, 2019

LGBTQ Identity and Pride: An Interview with Julien Gomez

LGBTQIA+ Equality
June is the official month of Pride, a month that celebrates the history — and recognizes the ongoing struggles — of the LGBTQ community. Pride is also a moment to reflect on the ways that everyone can...
June is the official month of Pride, a month that celebrates the history — and recognizes the ongoing struggles — of the LGBTQ community. Pride is also a moment to reflect on the ways that everyone can...
Pride Blog
Pride Blog
Jun 24, 2019

Immigrant Kids Keep Dying in CBP Detention Centers, and DHS Won’t Take Accountability

In recent months, at least seven...

In recent months, at least seven...

Two young girls watch a World Cup soccer match on a television from their holding area where hundreds of mostly Central American immigrant children are being processed and held
Two young girls watch a World Cup soccer match on a television from their holding area where hundreds of mostly Central American immigrant children are being processed and held