We at the ACLU of Oregon believe it is our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil liberties and civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.
This is Doug Brown, the ACLU of Oregon's newest employee. I'd like to take a minute and say hello.
Encampments like the Village of Hope increase safety for houseless people and help them get back on their feet. So why is the City of Portland sweeping them?
When reporter Brian Addison criticized the police for bringing drug-sniffing dogs to a high school basketball tournament, the chief of police retaliated. Today, we filed a brief to defend his First Amendment right to criticize local law enforcement actions without fear of retribution.
DA Rod Underhill revealed plans for a potential ballot measure to revise the part of Oregon’s Constitution that allows for non-unanimous jury convictions. What's really going on here?
Clackamas County District Attorney John Foote filed a lawsuit designed to stop the implementation of the forward-thinking Safety and Savings Act. The move shows how he is out of touch with effective criminal justice policy and is disconnected to public values.
Protest is critical to a functioning democracy. In a city that prides itself on free expression, progressive politics, and democratic values, it should not be a surprise to anyone that Portland has seen a significant increase in First Amendment activity since the 2016 election.