Press Releases

ACLU-D.C. lawyers and advocates are among the nation's leading experts on civil liberties and constitutional freedoms. They are regularly sought out by leading broadcast, print and online media to lend an essential voice to the conversation about some of the most important issues facing the nation and the District. For all press inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Feb 07, 2023

ACLU-D.C. urges Congress to respect the District’s autonomy and revised criminal code

We strongly urge Congress to respect the District of Columbia’s decision to pass the Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA), and to vote no on any resolution or rider that undermines the ability of District residents to make our laws and manage our tax dollars.
Issue Areas: D.C. Statehood, Criminal Justice Reform
Feb 05, 2023

ACLU-D.C. SEEKS SYSTEMATIC PREVENTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY AFTER ANOTHER PERSON DIES IN POLICE CUSTODY

Yesterday, the Metropolitan Police Department reported the death of Marquez Parker, who passed away on February 2 while in police custody at a Northwest District holding cell.
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform, Police Practices and Police Misconduct
Feb 01, 2023

ACLU-D.C. Calls on the D.C. Council to Disband the Metropolitan Police Department’s Gun Recovery Unit

“In the wake of police killings of Black people, including Tyre Nichols in Memphis, the ACLU-D.C. calls on the D.C. Council to disband the Metropolitan Police Department’s unaccountable and dangerous Gun Recovery Unit (GRU)."
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform
Jan 10, 2023

ACLU-D.C. Statement in Support of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act of 2023

Ahead of the Washington D.C. Admission Act's introduction in the House of Representatives, Executive Director Monica Hopkins speaks on the importance of D.C. statehood for its 700,000 residents.
Issue Areas: D.C. Statehood, Voting Rights
Jan 05, 2023

ACLU-D.C. Statement on the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022

ACLU-D.C. strongly urges the D.C. Council to override Mayor Bowser’s veto of the RCAA. The RCAA is a long overdue overhaul of the D.C. criminal code.
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform
Dec 21, 2022

ACLU-D.C. Names Damon King as New Policy Director

The District still has a long way to go to become a place where everyone can thrive, and it’s our job to push forward the legislation to help achieve true justice and freedom.”
Nov 22, 2022

Civil Rights Groups Tell Federal Appeals Court To Reject Total Immunity For Federal Officers Responsible For The 2020 Lafayette Square Brutal Attack on Racial Justice Demonstrators

"Holding the officers accountable for their vicious attack will ensure that this moment in history is not forgotten, and it will put federal officials on notice that they cannot trample our constitutional rights.”
Oct 24, 2022

ACLU-D.C. Names Maxine Davis as New Organizing Director

The American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia announced that Maxine Davis has been named the new Organizing Director, joining a team of more than 20 staff working to protect and enhance civil liberties and civil rights in the nation's capital. 
Oct 13, 2022

Legal Organizations Sue ICE for Illegally Preventing Attorneys from Communicating with Detained Immigrants in Four States

"Everyone knows that when the government locks you up, you have a right to see a lawyer. But these ICE detention facilities make that nearly impossible for people in their custody. Our lawsuit seeks to make access to counsel a reality for these immigrants."
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights, Due Process/Procedural Rights