News | ACLU of Rhode Island

ACLU Demands Action on Illegal Cranston Traffic Stop Policy

The ACLU of RI has called on Cranston to “take immediate action to halt what appears to be a long-standing and flagrant violation of the law by the Cranston Police Department” – a traffic stop quota policy, requiring police officers to stop a minimum of two cars during their patrol shifts.

July 19, 2021

ACLU Calls on Providence Officials to Address Dubious Attempt to Oust Homeless From Wilson Street Encampment

The ACLU has called on Mayor Elorza and Commissioner of Public Safety Paré to address the “constitutionally suspect procedural shortcuts” that it took last week in an attempt to oust the people living in a homeless encampment on Wilson Street in PVD.

June 17, 2021

ACLU Files Brief Challenging Denial of Right to Vote to Non-Property Owners in Narragansett Fire District

Until every one of our local governments are elected by the people they serve, our work is not done. Participation in free and fair elections, whether it be for president, state legislature or local fire district, is the cornerstone of our democracy.

June 9, 2021

ACLU Favorably Settles Free Speech Lawsuit Against Johnston Police Department

The Johnston PD violated the First Amendment rights of retired Detective James Brady when he was disciplined for speaking to a Providence Journal reporter on a matter of public concern.

June 3, 2021

U.S. Supreme Court Unanimously Protects Privacy in Major "Search and Seizure" Case from Rhode Island

In an important victory for privacy rights, the U.S Supreme Court today unanimously rejected police arguments that engaging in a non-criminal “community caretaking” function allows them to search a person’s home without a warrant.

May 17, 2021

Court Consent Judgment Strikes from the Books Cranston's Anti-Panhandling Ordinance

In a major victory for the First Amendment, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William Smith has signed an order declaring Cranston's anti-panhandling ordinance unconstitutional.

April 20, 2021