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]

Oct 7, 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
Aug 24, 2022

ACLU of the District of Columbia Statement on resident's death at the D.C. Jail

The death of Treyvon Little marks the third death in the D.C. Jail this year. It is beyond time for the D.C. Council to hold DOC accountable for its neglect, poor living conditions, and treatment of residents at their facilities..
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform
May 5, 2022

ACLU-DC Comment on Proposed Increase in MTPD Officers on Patrol

“Making the Metro safer means increasing accessibility, reliability, and affordability of our transit system for everyone in the DMV...Increasing police would undermine our goal of transit safety."
Issue Areas: Police Practices and Police Misconduct, Racial Justice, Criminal Justice Reform
Mar 23, 2022

D.C. Jail Agrees To Improve Transgender Housing Policies To Settle Lawsuit of Trans Woman Housed in Men’s Unit

“No one should face what I had to face at the D.C. Jail. DOC put my safety and mental health at risk, and I’m glad that other trans people at the Jail will be treated with more dignity."
Issue Areas: Equal Protection and Discrimination, LGBTQ+ Rights, Women's Rights/Gender Equity, Criminal Justice Reform
Feb 3, 2022

ACLU-DC Statement on the Metropolitan Police Department Watchlist

“MPD’s blacklist practice is part of a broader pattern of resistance to transparency and public accountability."
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform
Jan 7, 2022

ACLU-DC Statement on the Department of Corrections Change in Leadership

“Director Booth leaves behind a shameful legacy of neglect and mistreatment of incarcerated individuals and DOC staff...We call on Mayor Bowser to conduct a transparent and inclusive process in the selection of the next permanent DOC director."
Issue Areas: Criminal Justice Reform, Government Employees' Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights