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 31, 2013

Massachusetts High Court Set to Rule on Whether State Can Force You to Decrypt Your Drive

Free Speech and Pluralism

Can the government force you to decrypt your hard drive? Do the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article 12 of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights protect us from being compelled...

By By Kade Crockford, Director, ACLU of Massachusetts Technology for Liberty Project

Can the government force you to decrypt your hard drive? Do the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article 12 of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights protect us from being compelled...

By By Kade Crockford, Director, ACLU of Massachusetts Technology for Liberty Project
Oct 31, 2013

I Don't Care What Your Doctor Says. You're Fired!

Here's the story: a pregnant woman is working, paying her bills, paying taxes, and taking care of her family. She's in the workforce, contributing to the economy, and trying to carve out a little piece of...

By By Vania Leveille, Washington Legislative Office

Here's the story: a pregnant woman is working, paying her bills, paying taxes, and taking care of her family. She's in the workforce, contributing to the economy, and trying to carve out a little piece of...

By By Vania Leveille, Washington Legislative Office
Oct 31, 2013

Sweeter Home, Alabama?

Immigrant families in Alabama can finally breathe more freely thanks to a settlement...

By By Cecillia Wang, ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project

Immigrant families in Alabama can finally breathe more freely thanks to a settlement...

By By Cecillia Wang, ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project
Oct 30, 2013

Congress Could Save Tens of Thousands of Americans Today. Here's How.

"Too many Americans go to too many prisons for too long for no good law enforcement reason."

That's what Attorney General Eric Holder said in an historic speech before the American Bar Association...

By By Alex Berger, Legislative Assistant, ACLU

"Too many Americans go to too many prisons for too long for no good law enforcement reason."

That's what Attorney General Eric Holder said in an historic speech before the American Bar Association...

By By Alex Berger, Legislative Assistant, ACLU
Oct 30, 2013

Where's the Suspicion in Government's "Suspicious Activity" Reports?

In 2008, the federal government launched programs to collect so-called "Suspicious Activity Reports" around the country. Government documents obtained by the ACLU show that these programs have operated...

By By Nusrat Choudhury, Staff Attorney, ACLU National Security Project

In 2008, the federal government launched programs to collect so-called "Suspicious Activity Reports" around the country. Government documents obtained by the ACLU show that these programs have operated...

By By Nusrat Choudhury, Staff Attorney, ACLU National Security Project
Oct 30, 2013

Comey's Hollow MLK Guidance to FBI Agents

Newly sworn in FBI Director James Comey has ordered all new FBI agent trainees to visit the...

By By Michael German, Senior Policy Counsel, ACLU Washington Legislative Office

Newly sworn in FBI Director James Comey has ordered all new FBI agent trainees to visit the...

By By Michael German, Senior Policy Counsel, ACLU Washington Legislative Office