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 30, 2025

Why Police Traffic Stops Are Dangerous and Ineffective

Smart Justice
Millions of drivers are pulled over every year for minor violations like broken taillights or tinted windows. Data shows these stops rarely make roads safer, and instead lead to racial disparities, violence,...
Millions of drivers are pulled over every year for minor violations like broken taillights or tinted windows. Data shows these stops rarely make roads safer, and instead lead to racial disparities, violence,...
Close-up shot of police car siren lights.
Close-up shot of police car siren lights.
Oct 30, 2025

What the First Amendment Really Protects

Free Speech and Pluralism
From protests and journalism to social media and campus speech, explore how the First Amendment safeguards everyone — including immigrants — and what it actually covers.
From protests and journalism to social media and campus speech, explore how the First Amendment safeguards everyone — including immigrants — and what it actually covers.
A demonstrator (with only their hands visible) holds up a sign that reads " FREE SPEECH, FREE COUNTRY - ACLU".
A demonstrator (with only their hands visible) holds up a sign that reads " FREE SPEECH, FREE COUNTRY - ACLU".
Oct 14, 2025

Approved Speech Only: The Civil Rights Issues Facing Texas Students This Year

Free Speech and Pluralism
Back-to-school season usually brings a flurry of excitement for teachers, students, and parents alike. This year, however, that excitement feels overshadowed by unprecedented attacks on free speech in Texas K-...
Back-to-school season usually brings a flurry of excitement for teachers, students, and parents alike. This year, however, that excitement feels overshadowed by unprecedented attacks on free speech in Texas K-...
image of comic strip
image of comic strip
Oct 9, 2025

Your Questions Answered: How to Push Back on Abuses of Power

Free Speech and Pluralism
From defending free speech to organizing locally, ACLU experts explain what actions actually work to hold the Trump administration accountable and protect democracy.
From defending free speech to organizing locally, ACLU experts explain what actions actually work to hold the Trump administration accountable and protect democracy.
A person wearing a clear poncho displays a sign on their back that reads "HANDS OFF THE CONSTITUTION" while walking in the rain as they take part with thousands of other New Yorkers take part in the NO KINGS national day of action.
A person wearing a clear poncho displays a sign on their back that reads "HANDS OFF THE CONSTITUTION" while walking in the rain as they take part with thousands of other New Yorkers take part in the NO KINGS national day of action.
Sep 10, 2025

How Expanded 287(g) Program Turns Local Police Into Deportation Agents

Border and Immigrants’ Rights
The Trump administration has expanded the controversial program to harm more communities than ever. Families and advocates nationwide are fighting back.
The Trump administration has expanded the controversial program to harm more communities than ever. Families and advocates nationwide are fighting back.
Border Patrol agents and police congregating during during a demonstration against expanded ICE operations and in support of immigrant rights.
Border Patrol agents and police congregating during during a demonstration against expanded ICE operations and in support of immigrant rights.
Sep 4, 2025

Lawmakers Can't Turn Classrooms Into Sunday Schools

Free Speech and Pluralism
From Arkansas to Oklahoma, politicians are pushing religion into public schools. The ACLU is fighting back to defend church-state separation and students’ rights.
From Arkansas to Oklahoma, politicians are pushing religion into public schools. The ACLU is fighting back to defend church-state separation and students’ rights.
Two street signs at an intersection on a pole reading Church St on one and State St on the other.
Two street signs at an intersection on a pole reading Church St on one and State St on the other.