News & Commentary

2022 was a special year for Courtwatch DC. Officially launching the program, training volunteers, and watching the courts – we have a lot to be proud of.

Guest writers from the COS-DC coalition detail what it's like for sex workers to be under the constant watch of government surveillance, and how it connects to historically harmed neighbors and even residents across the District.

The Indian Child Welfare Act — a law that protects Native children from forced removal from their families, tribes, and culture — is currently under attack.

After her experience being incarcerated, Courtney Phillips is committed to spreading the word about trans people’s rights at the D.C. Jail. Read about her experience and how an ACLU-DC case settlement allows trans people at the jail "the right to be housed where they identify."

Depriving Washington, D.C. of statehood is immoral, unjust, and harms our democracy. And the problems don't stop there: Congressional control over D.C.’s budget and overreach into D.C.’s local policies has caused harm by depriving D.C. residents in many ways.

The safety and dignity of home health aides is inextricably linked with the safety and dignity of those they care for.

Guest writer Dionne "DJ Magic" Ledbetter reflects on how one email changed the way she looked at creating spaces for the Black queer community, and the LGBTQ+ history that makes D.C. special.

The #PoliceFreeSchools campaign is about creating a healthy school environment that’s conducive to learning for all students. It’s time for a different approach, and we hope District leaders will continue to listen to young people and to prioritize the investments needed to achieve real safety.

Oversight season is underway at the D.C. Council, and the ACLU-D.C. is closely following bills dealing with criminal code reform, police accountability, youth justice, and economic justice. Here are a few of them!