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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Dec 7, 2011

Smart-on-crime: Keep non-violent drug offenders out of jail

Smart Justice
By Terri Burke According to the Houston Chronicle, Houston police miss the good ole days...
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By Terri Burke According to the Houston Chronicle, Houston police miss the good ole days...
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Dec 1, 2011

How We Celebrate the Season: The Truth about the ‘War on Christmas’

By Victor Cornell Austin Regional Coordinator It’s that time of the year again, when the ACLU of Texas starts receiving email and cards reminding us that the holiday is...
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By Victor Cornell Austin Regional Coordinator It’s that time of the year again, when the ACLU of Texas starts receiving email and cards reminding us that the holiday is...
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Nov 29, 2011

When Immigration Status Leads to Teen Suicide

Border and Immigrants’ Rights
By Krystal Gomez Advocacy & Policy Counsel On the Friday after Thanksgiving, Joaquin Luna, an 18 year old high school senior from Mission, TX, in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, dressed up in a suit and tie...
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By Krystal Gomez Advocacy & Policy Counsel On the Friday after Thanksgiving, Joaquin Luna, an 18 year old high school senior from Mission, TX, in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, dressed up in a suit and tie...
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Nov 22, 2011

Voter ID: Texas Didn’t Get it Right, but we Hope the DOJ Will

Voting Rights and Democracy
By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator “You need an ID to be able to check out a book at the library.  Why shouldn’t you need one at the polls?”  We heard this argument in support of the new Voter ID...
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By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator “You need an ID to be able to check out a book at the library.  Why shouldn’t you need one at the polls?”  We heard this argument in support of the new Voter ID...
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Nov 21, 2011

Private Prisons: How the Industry Sells Such a Bad Product

Smart Justice
By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator There is no evidence that increased criminal penalties and stiffer sentences benefit society or lower crime rates.  In fact, as Texas has shifted away from...
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By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator There is no evidence that increased criminal penalties and stiffer sentences benefit society or lower crime rates.  In fact, as Texas has shifted away from...
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