Protecting rights in RI since 1959.

Almost by definition, a ruling by the highest court in the United States on a civil liberties issue is likely to have a significant impact on the rights of Rhode Islanders. That was certainly true of some of the blockbuster decisions that came down this year from the court. But it is also worth highlighting cases, especially ones detrimental to civil rights, that — seemingly magically — don’t affect the Ocean State. Those cases demonstrate something extremely important: the critical role that the state and our Affiliate can play, and have played, in responding to, and insulating ourselves from, some of the court’s regressive decisions. Below are six cases from this most recent term that call attention to both of those scenarios.

“The Council’s decision makes it clear that privacy can and should be defended. We’re hopeful that other municipalities follow the lead of South Kingstown, considering the concerns of their constituents, and discussing the use of these systems in their communities.”

Last year, a federal court blocked the Trump administration’s efforts at a hostile ideological takeover of Harvard University

The outreach and engagement coordinator will develop and implement advocacy campaign organizing strategies to help advance the ACLU of Rhode Island’s mission, build relationships with community partners, and mobilize ACLU supporters across Rhode Island.