Racial Justice

Despite enormous progress, the promise of fair and equal treatment for people of color remains elusive. The ACLU is committed to combating racism and racial discrimination.

Racial Justice

Despite enormous progress, the promise of fair and equal treatment for people of color remains elusive. The ACLU is committed to combating racism and racial discrimination.

The Latest

Press Release
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Interim Agreement Reached for Arab Student Union in Pro-Palestinian Speech Censorship Case at D.C. High School

The Arab Student Union (ASU) at Jackson-Reed High School withdrew its request for emergency court action this morning in exchange for key concessions by the school in the case of challenging the unlawful censorship of the student club's pro-Palestinian speech.
Issue Areas: Freedom of Speech and Association, Racial Justice, Youth/Childrens' Rights
Press Release
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Lawsuit Challenges Unequal Response to Mental Health Emergencies in Washington, DC

We’re representing Bread for the City in a federal lawsuit challenging the District’s practice of sending police to mental health emergencies instead of mental health professionals.
Issue Areas: Racial Justice, Police Practices and Police Misconduct, Disability Rights, Equal Protection and Discrimination
Press Release
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COURT OF APPEALS DENIES CONSTITUTIONAL CLAIMS AGAINST FEDERAL OFFICIALS FOR POLICE ATTACK ON CIVIL RIGHTS DEMONSTRATORS NEAR WHITE HOUSE  

The Court is blocking us from holding federal officials responsible for attacking me and other demonstrators when we exercised our right to protest police brutality and racism.
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform, Racial Justice, Police Practices and Police Misconduct, Freedom of Speech and Association
News & Commentary
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D.C. Native Artecka Brown Brings Healing to Chocolate City

D.C. native Artecka Brown brings healing and resources to her beloved "Chocolate City." Through Christopher Brown's Heart Beats, she organizes community events and supports grieving moms.
Legislation
Mar 07, 2023

ACLU Urges BLOCKING ENACTMENT OF D.C.’s REVISED CRIMINAL CODE ACT OF 2022 DULY ENACTED BY THE D.C. COUNCIL

Legislation
Mar 01, 2023

ACLU-DC Testifies at Performance Oversight Hearing on the Department of Corrections and Corrections Information Council

We urge the D.C. Council to take immediately to address the egregious and inhumane conditions of the D.C. Jail facilities, the complete lack of transparency and accountability demonstrated by the D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC)
Legislation
Feb 27, 2023

ACLU-DC Testifies at Performance Oversight Hearing for the Metropolitan Police Department

The Council must take bold actions to combat the recent narratives around crime in the District and continue towards a path that will actually make D.C. communities feel and be safer.
Legislation
Oct 15, 2020

ACLU-DC Testifies Before the D.C. Council Committee on the Comprehensive Police and Justice Reform Amendment Act

ACLU-DC statement suggesting amendments to Bill 23-882 that center on limiting police power, strengthening transparency & oversight, and decentering criminalization all in favor of a community safety system that focuses on non-police responses.