Protecting Rhode Islanders' rights since 1959.

Stay informed about civil liberties, get our email updates:

homepage hero image

The Latest

News & Commentary
Logos of RI plaintiffs, RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence v. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Blue and brown graphics of a house and a healthcare provider.

Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration’s Unlawful Restrictions on Health and Housing Grants

A federal judge entered an order preliminarily blocking the unlawful restrictions imposed on federal grants administered by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
News & Commentary
Purple and yellow images of a gavel and a hemp leaf.

ACLU Files Brief in Support of Gun Owners Criminally Charged for Using Medical Marijuana

"Friend of the court” brief filed supporting a challenge to a federal law that completely bars unlawful users of controlled substances – including medical marijuana, which, though legal in Rhode Island, remains illegal at the federal level –– from possessing firearms.
News & Commentary
Bright red background with photos of a student with a computer and Brown University's campus.

ACLU of RI Condemns Trump Administration’s Newest Threats to Higher Education, Urges Brown University to Reject Demands

The ACLU of Rhode Island sent a letter to Brown University President Christine Paxson condemning the Trump Administration’s new “compact”
Know Your Rights
Dark red and pink photo of someone recording on a phone

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: What You Can Do as a Bystander During Immigration Enforcement Actions

It’s easy to freeze when you see immigration agents (ICE) detaining someone, especially if the officers are acting quickly or aggressively. This FAQ is intended to give some suggested actions you can take as a bystander in this situation.

Issues We're Monitoring

Criminal Justice Reform First Amendment Government Transparency Immigrants’ Rights LGBTQ+ Rights Privacy & Technology Racial Justice View All Issues

ACLU Foundation of RI Annual Meeting

2025 marks the 66th anniversary of the ACLU of Rhode Island. For more than six decades, we have worked to ensure that “We the People” means all of us. This year’s Annual Meeting celebrates not only our history, but also the power of communities rising together to defend freedom, justice, and equality.

Explore Event
Light and dark blue graphic with a red statue of liberty graphic and a photo of the ACLU Foundation of RI's 2024 Annual Meeting.

Featured Case

Yellow background with brown and blue colored images of a house roof, and a mother with her small child walking up to a front door.

National Alliance to End Homelessness v. Scott Turner, et al.

This case suit challenges new funding restrictions on federal housing grants. Under the new funding application rules, service providers and communities are blocked from applying for federal housing funds for new permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness if they operate in jurisdictions with policies the Trump-Vance administration disfavors. This includes cities and states, like Rhode Island, that the Trump Administration deems to be “sanctuary protections” for immigrants; that provide services considered “harm reduction” services for drug users; and that have inclusive policies for transgender people.