Texans will sue once Gov. Greg Abbott signs a bill requiring Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms, three national civil liberties groups said May 29. The announcement came a day after state senators voted to approve an amended version…
Trump’s immigration plays are testing the waters, ACLU attorney warns
President Donald Trump’s immigration policies are as much about redefining American identity as about kicking immigrants out of the country, said David Donatti, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas. Rounding up, detaining and deporting…
Supreme Court blocks Trump’s use of Enemy Aliens Act
For the time being, the Trump administration has been blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court from using a centuries-old law to deport a group of Venezuelans accused of being gang members. “The government is directed not to remove any member…
Oklahoma Supreme Court blocks Bible curriculum for now
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has temporarily blocked state school officials from purchasing Bibles and Scripture-based instructional materials for use in public school classrooms. The March 10 order bars Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Department…
Before inauguration day, social justice organizations have been busy
The days leading up to Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration were busy ones for many of the nation’s social justice organizations. Civil rights, immigration, education and other groups were busy hosting webinars, issuing press releases and blasting out emails warning…
Battle continues over Louisiana Ten Commandments law
All Louisiana school districts must comply with a recent federal court ruling barring classroom Ten Commandments displays despite contradictory guidance from a state official, civil rights groups said in a Jan. 6 letter to district superintendents. Three days earlier, Louisiana…
Civil rights advocates already planning to challenge mass deportations
Civil rights advocates are formulating legal strategies against Donald Trump’s anticipated mass deportation campaign, including his plan to use U.S. military forces to round up and detain unauthorized immigrants. Trump confirmed on social media recently his administration’s plan to declare…
ACLU issues urgent call to stop bill that would endanger nonprofits
Civil rights advocates are urging Americans to pressure members of the House of Representatives to vote against legislation enabling the incoming Trump administration to selectively target nonprofit organizations it considers ideological and political enemies. “In a clear reaction to pro-Palestine…
Religious liberty groups say they’re ready to oppose Trump
Donald Trump’s next presidency promises to be more frightening and damaging than the first given his threats against immigrants, democracy and religious liberty, said Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union. “As outlined in Project 2025,…
Anti-abortion forces seek to complicate fall vote on constitutional amendment in Florida
Advocates for a pro-choice amendment on Florida’s November ballot vow to fight a state committee’s decision to add politically motivated economic projections to the measure voters will consider at the polls. “Our campaign worked hard to ensure that the language…
Plaintiffs ask Louisiana judge to bar implementation of Ten Commandments law immediately
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit against mandatory Ten Commandments displays in Louisiana public classrooms have asked a federal court to bar implementation of the new law as their litigation proceeds. Signed into law June 19, House Bill 71 requires the posting…
Oklahoma Supreme Court says Catholic charter school unconstitutional
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional a decision by the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board to grant a charter school license to a sectarian Catholic school. St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School would have been the nation’s first sectarian…