Blogs

ACLU of Oregon's work 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 an informed and engaged public. We see it as our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties.

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Apr 22, 2025

Educators Speak Out on Harms of Unlawful Education Department Directive

Youth & Student Rights
The “Dear Colleague Letter” seeks to dictate teaching, curriculum, and school climate, and limit academic free expression.
The “Dear Colleague Letter” seeks to dictate teaching, curriculum, and school climate, and limit academic free expression.
A student presenting in front of a diverse classroom.
A student presenting in front of a diverse classroom.
Apr 21, 2025

How We Help the Immigrant Community Feel Seen

Immigrants' Rights
When Jeannie Parent and her volunteer group, KWESI, visit immigrants held in a California detention center, she’s inspired by the sense of connection and community she can foster in spite of the circumstances.
When Jeannie Parent and her volunteer group, KWESI, visit immigrants held in a California detention center, she’s inspired by the sense of connection and community she can foster in spite of the circumstances.
A photo of Jeannie Parent.
A photo of Jeannie Parent.
Apr 16, 2025

Mid Session Update

We’ve reached the midpoint of the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session at a time when our democracy and the rule of law are under coordinated federal attack.

We’ve reached the midpoint of the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session at a time when our democracy and the rule of law are under coordinated federal attack.

2025 Legislative session Campaign Header with a blue background, art of the Oregon capital building and blue lines circling the building. The image says, "State of Oregon Legislative Session 2024"
2025 Legislative session Campaign Header with a blue background, art of the Oregon capital building and blue lines circling the building. The image says, "State of Oregon Legislative Session 2024"
Apr 16, 2025

Trump's Expanded Domestic Military Use Should Worry Us All

President Donald Trump's use of the military domestically is dangerous and deeply misguided.
President Donald Trump's use of the military domestically is dangerous and deeply misguided.
Members of the National Guard patrol the area surrounding the outskirts of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Members of the National Guard patrol the area surrounding the outskirts of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Apr 14, 2025

Writing an Op-Ed is not Grounds for Deportation

Immigrants' Rights
The U.S. government’s escalating attacks on noncitizens’ right to free speech, including our client Rümeysa Öztürk, should scare us all.
The U.S. government’s escalating attacks on noncitizens’ right to free speech, including our client Rümeysa Öztürk, should scare us all.
Rümeysa Öztürk headshot
Rümeysa Öztürk headshot
Apr 8, 2025

Letter to My Husband, Mahmoud Khalil

Free Speech
As she prepares to welcome her first child with husband Mahmoud Khalil, Dr. Noor Abdalla writes to her husband one month after he was unlawfully detained for exercising his free speech rights. 
As she prepares to welcome her first child with husband Mahmoud Khalil, Dr. Noor Abdalla writes to her husband one month after he was unlawfully detained for exercising his free speech rights. 
A photo of Mahmoud Khalil and Dr. Noor Abdalla.
A photo of Mahmoud Khalil and Dr. Noor Abdalla.