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.

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Jun 23, 2023

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
May 25, 2023

ACLU-DC Statement on President Biden vetoing attempt to block D.C. police bill

"As we celebrate President Biden’s veto, we also renew our commitment to making D.C. the 51st state.”
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform, D.C. Statehood, Voting Rights
Mar 02, 2023

ACLU-D.C. Statement on President Biden's Signaling to Overturn Local D.C. Criminal Code Law

President Biden's support to overturn the Revised Criminal Code Act undermines D.C.'s fight for statehood and maintaining home rule.
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform, D.C. Statehood, Racial Justice
Feb 14, 2023

St. Elizabeths Hospital Settles Case with Patients Who Endured Life Threatening Conditions During Water Crisis and COVID-19

“This settlement will help ensure that the government meets its constitutional obligation to provide a safe environment for the patients of St. Elizabeths.”
Issue Areas: Due Process/Procedural Rights, Criminal Justice Reform, Disability Rights
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 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
Oct 07, 2022

ACLU-D.C. Responds to Executive Order Pardoning People with Federal and D.C. Convictions for Simple Marijuana Possession

"The President's announcement is a victory for fairness, racial justice, and redemption in the District. Thousands persecuted for marijuana possession will get a second chance and not continue to face the consequences for behavior that is now legal in the District of Columbia."
Issue Areas: Racial Justice, Criminal Justice Reform