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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May 9, 2022

If You Care About Freedom, You Should Be Asking Why We Don’t Fund Our Public Defender Systems

Four out of five criminal defendants can’t afford a lawyer, but in many places, the system promised to them by our state and federal constitutions is chronically in crisis.

A statue of Lady Justice with a stack of books in the background.

May 5, 2022

The power behind your vote for district attorney

May 17 is Election Day! Oregon voters have the chance to choose the next district attorney in their county. District attorneys are the most powerful people in Oregon's criminal legal system, yet most Oregon...

May 4, 2022

What to Know About the Leaked Supreme Court Abortion Draft Opinion, and What’s Next

Brigitte Amiri, deputy director of the ACLU’s Reproductive Freedom Project, breaks down what you should keep in mind in the wake of the leaked draft.

A person at a rally holding a sign that says “Abortion is Healthcare.”

Mar 15, 2022

Calling 911 Shouldn’t Lead to an Eviction

The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act will help ensure that people who report emergencies don’t get evicted as a result.

A stock photo of an eviction noticed, placed in an open door.

Mar 14, 2022

Three Artists Explain and Visualize What Black Joy Means to Them

These stunning interpretations of Black joy show what’s possible in an inclusive and equitable world.

A combination of illustrations depicting Black joy.

Mar 10, 2022

Before Ketanji Brown Jackson Came Pauli Murray’s Letter to Nixon

Murray knew that one does not “apply” to be a justice of the Supreme Court. That was an unspoken rule, alongside another implicit requirement: being a white man.