It was supposed to be an inspiring and eventful week for three students visiting Detroit for the U.S. Social Forum. They travelled from St. John’s University in New York to participate in workshops, lectures and even a massive march down Woodward Avenue. The progressive conference attracted more than 15,000 attendees from across the country for what shaped up to be an exciting and inspiring event. No Crossing Zone for Participants of U.S. Social Forum?
Roland Leggett, ACLU of Michigan field organizer
It was supposed to be an inspiring and eventful week for three students visiting Detroit for the U.S. Social Forum. They travelled from St. John’s University in New York to participate in workshops, lectures and even a massive march down Woodward Avenue. The progressive conference attracted more than 15,000 attendees from across the country for what shaped up to be an exciting and inspiring event.
It was supposed to be an inspiring and eventful week for three students visiting Detroit for the U.S. Social Forum. They travelled from St. John’s University in New York to participate in workshops, lectures and even a massive march down Woodward Avenue. The progressive conference attracted more than 15,000 attendees from across the country for what shaped up to be an exciting and inspiring event. Prop 8 Ruling Sweeping Victory for Marriage Equality
Jay Kaplan, ACLU of Michigan LGBT Project staff attorney
There’s much reason to celebrate Judge Vaughan Walker’s decision striking down Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative that excluded same-sex couples from marriage. This is the first federal court to address the issue and, in the judge's exhaustive 136-page opinion, he is in agreement with each argument raised by LGBT supporters – the opponents of Prop 8.
There’s much reason to celebrate Judge Vaughan Walker’s decision striking down Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative that excluded same-sex couples from marriage. This is the first federal court to address the issue and, in the judge's exhaustive 136-page opinion, he is in agreement with each argument raised by LGBT supporters – the opponents of Prop 8. Celebrate the Voting Rights Act and Your Rights
Dan Korobkin, ACLU of Michigan staff attorney
This week we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, a heroic piece of legislation that marked a giant step toward transforming our Constitution's democratic values into political reality. Thanks to the Voting Rights Act, the vast majority of Americans have the right to cast their vote on Election Day. But this doesn't mean we can rest easy.
This week we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, a heroic piece of legislation that marked a giant step toward transforming our Constitution's democratic values into political reality. Thanks to the Voting Rights Act, the vast majority of Americans have the right to cast their vote on Election Day. But this doesn't mean we can rest easy.Holding the Line Against Discrimination
Jessie Rossman, ACLU of Michigan staff attorney
Officers Krupinski, Lucy, Prater, Robinson, Skender and Woods knew they were choosing to put themselves on the line to protect the public when they first decided to join the Detroit Police Department. However, for the past two years they have also put themselves on the line to ensure that no other officer would be forced to choose between their career and their family.
Officers Krupinski, Lucy, Prater, Robinson, Skender and Woods knew they were choosing to put themselves on the line to protect the public when they first decided to join the Detroit Police Department. However, for the past two years they have also put themselves on the line to ensure that no other officer would be forced to choose between their career and their family. Ann Arbor Gets It Right On Immigration
Roland Leggett, ACLU of Michigan field organizer
Last night, the Ann Arbor City Council sent a strong message to legislators across the country by becoming the first Michigan city to go on record opposing Arizona’s anti-immigrant law. The approved resolution clearly states that racial profiling isn’t true immigration reform and has no place in our state.
Last night, the Ann Arbor City Council sent a strong message to legislators across the country by becoming the first Michigan city to go on record opposing Arizona’s anti-immigrant law. The approved resolution clearly states that racial profiling isn’t true immigration reform and has no place in our state.Know Your Rights: No Human Being Is Illegal
Mary Bejian, ACLU of Michigan deputy director
For the past several weeks, immigrant rights advocates in Washtenaw County have been sending warning emails. One read “Alert… ICE agents were spotted tonight… don’t open your home doors… ask for an attorney… do not sign anything in detainment.”
For the past several weeks, immigrant rights advocates in Washtenaw County have been sending warning emails. One read “Alert… ICE agents were spotted tonight… don’t open your home doors… ask for an attorney… do not sign anything in detainment.”
Silence Speaks Volumes on Women's Rights
Celeste Davis, Legislative and Legal Intern
In last week’s Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, tempers flared as anti-choice organizations voiced their support of Senator Kuipers’ Senate Bill 1283 that adds language to the state’s Public Health Code. The amendment would essentially ask medical providers to use their most technologically advanced ultrasound machines for abortion procedures.
In last week’s Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, tempers flared as anti-choice organizations voiced their support of Senator Kuipers’ Senate Bill 1283 that adds language to the state’s Public Health Code. The amendment would essentially ask medical providers to use their most technologically advanced ultrasound machines for abortion procedures.I Stood Up For My Rights And All I Got Was This Lousy Ticket
Dan Korobkin and Jessie Rossman, ACLU of Michigan staff attorneys
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It is basic eighth-grade civics that legislators write the laws and the police enforce them. But what happens when the police simply make up laws to punish people who question their authority or stand up for their rights?
It is basic eighth-grade civics that legislators write the laws and the police enforce them. But what happens when the police simply make up laws to punish people who question their authority or stand up for their rights?Kids Get Hope, But Michigan Must Do More
Katie Jacob, ACLU of Michigan communications intern
On May 17, 2010, the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for juvenile offenders who haven’t committed homicide to be sentenced to life in prison without parole.
This is very good news for children in our country.
On May 17, 2010, the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for juvenile offenders who haven’t committed homicide to be sentenced to life in prison without parole.
This is very good news for children in our country.
When Kids Get Life Without Hope, Michigan Loses
Katie Jacob, ACLU of Michigan communications intern
On my first day at work at ACLU, I was horrified to discover that right now there are over 300 children, or inmates who were children when they were incarcerated, serving life sentences in Michigan prisons with no chance of parole.
On my first day at work at ACLU, I was horrified to discover that right now there are over 300 children, or inmates who were children when they were incarcerated, serving life sentences in Michigan prisons with no chance of parole..jpg){kind=small}
