Equal Protection and Discrimination

A cornerstone of our society, equal protection of the law is guaranteed by the Fifth and 14th Amendments and reinforced by hundreds of local, state and federal civil rights laws. The ACLU fights to ensure that no one is subjected to unconstitutional discrimination.

Equal Protection and Discrimination

A cornerstone of our society, equal protection of the law is guaranteed by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments and reinforced by hundreds of local, state and federal civil rights laws. The ACLU fights to ensure that no one is subjected to unconstitutional discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, disability, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, or citizenship status.

The Latest

News & Commentary
A pesron holding up a sign reading "A World Without Trans People Has Never Existed And Never Will" at a demonstration.

Trump's Executive Orders Promoting Sex Discrimination, Explained

A new executive order lays out a plan to erase transgender people’s existence under the law
Resource
Placeholder image

Ward 7 Candidates Questionnaire

Press Release
Placeholder image

Bread for the City Responds as D.C. Police Union Moves to Intervene in Lawsuit Challenging Unequal Response to Mental Health Emergencies

Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform, Equal Protection and Discrimination
Press Release
Placeholder image

D.C. Department of Corrections Stops Denying Kosher Meals to Jewish Residents of the D.C. Jail

The D.C. Department of Corrections has revised its religious diet policy in response to a lawsuit brought by the ACLU of the District of Columbia on behalf of Riley Benjamin, a Jewish resident.
Issue Areas: Religious Liberty, Criminal Justice Reform, Equal Protection and Discrimination
Court Case
Jul 28, 2025

Withrow v. National Guard, et al. – Challenging Ban on Transgender and Intersex Federal Employees’ Ability To Use Bathroom That Accords with Their Gender Identity

Court Case
Mar 26, 2025

STAINNAK V. TRUMP – CHALLENGING PURGE OF DEI-ASSOCIATED FEDERAL WORKERS AS DISCRIMINATORY AND RETALIATORY FOR PERCEIVED POLITICAL BELIEFS

Federal employees filed a complaint against the Trump administration for targeting workers, especially people of color, women, and non-binary workers, for participating in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities, violating their First Amendment rights.
Court Case
Mar 22, 2023

SONMEZ V. WASHINGTON POST – IS AN EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION CLAIM AGAINST A NEWSPAPER A SLAPP?

Court Case
Jan 10, 2023

Neloms v. District of Columbia – Challenging D.C. DMV’s Telework Discrimination Against Parents and Caregivers

In December 2022, we filed a complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights alleging discrimination based on family responsibilities and seeking compensation for our clients and changes to the DMV telework policy so it does not disadvantage parents and caregivers.