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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Jan 12, 2023

Opinion: True justice and safety require sustainable public defense system

Criminal Justice
No one should face criminal charges without access to an attorney, regardless of financial resources. Yet hundreds of Oregonians are currently stuck in limbo because the state government has failed to uphold...
No one should face criminal charges without access to an attorney, regardless of financial resources. Yet hundreds of Oregonians are currently stuck in limbo because the state government has failed to uphold...
Image of brass statue holding scales in courtroom
Image of brass statue holding scales in courtroom
Jan 11, 2023

Governor Brown’s historic clemency actions provide hopeful lesson

Racial Justice

This week, Governor Kate Brown left office, making way for Governor Tina Kotek to transition to power. As we look to the future, it’s important to remember Gov. Brown’s historic legacy of clemency actions...

This week, Governor Kate Brown left office, making way for Governor Tina Kotek to transition to power. As we look to the future, it’s important to remember Gov. Brown’s historic legacy of clemency actions...

Photo of Governor Kate Brown signing a page
Photo of Governor Kate Brown signing a page
Dec 19, 2022

Your Guide to Discussing the Right to Seek Asylum at the Dinner Table

The fight to protect the human and legal right to seek asylum in the U.S. is at a critical juncture. Here’s how to talk about it with friends and family.
The fight to protect the human and legal right to seek asylum in the U.S. is at a critical juncture. Here’s how to talk about it with friends and family.
A sign reading "Dignity for Migrants."
A sign reading "Dignity for Migrants."
Dec 14, 2022

From the Death Penalty to Marijuana, Clemency is a Tool For Justice

Granting clemency to broad categories of people is a first step toward correcting injustice in our criminal legal system.
Granting clemency to broad categories of people is a first step toward correcting injustice in our criminal legal system.
Demonstrators, holding a sign reading "STOP THE DEATH PENALTY", stand on the steps of the State Capitol in Atlanta.
Demonstrators, holding a sign reading "STOP THE DEATH PENALTY", stand on the steps of the State Capitol in Atlanta.
Dec 6, 2022

The Federal Government Should Not Waste the Opportunity to Address Algorithmic Discrimination

The Federal Trade Commission should adopt binding rules to identify and prevent algorithmic discrimination.
The Federal Trade Commission should adopt binding rules to identify and prevent algorithmic discrimination.
The Federal Trade Commission building in Washington.
The Federal Trade Commission building in Washington.
Nov 29, 2022

20 Years Later, It’s Time to Overhaul the Department of Homeland Security

Chronic dysfunction and abuse within the agency call for a serious reckoning.
Chronic dysfunction and abuse within the agency call for a serious reckoning.
A young child holds on to her mother legs as they wait with other families to request political asylum in the United States, across the border in Tijuana, Mexico.
A young child holds on to her mother legs as they wait with other families to request political asylum in the United States, across the border in Tijuana, Mexico.