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 13, 2023

Significant Workforce Investments Needed to Stem Public Defense Crisis

Criminal Justice
Hundreds of Oregonians are currently in legal jeopardy because the state government is failing to uphold its constitutional duty to provide adequate legal counsel to those who can’t afford a private attorney.
Hundreds of Oregonians are currently in legal jeopardy because the state government is failing to uphold its constitutional duty to provide adequate legal counsel to those who can’t afford a private attorney.
Legislators Rep. Janelle Bynum and Sen. Floyd Prozanski
Legislators Rep. Janelle Bynum and Sen. Floyd Prozanski
May 12, 2023

Why Indigenous Students Are Fighting to Wear Tribal Regalia at Graduation

To wear tribal regalia is to reclaim Indigenous identity and honor ancestors who could not do the same.
To wear tribal regalia is to reclaim Indigenous identity and honor ancestors who could not do the same.
Isabella Blu Aiukli Cornell and Sarah Adams-Cornell.
Isabella Blu Aiukli Cornell and Sarah Adams-Cornell.
May 12, 2023

A majority of states have the right to compel lawmakers to turn up for work

Oregon voters sent a clear message when an overwhelming majority passed Measure 113 in 2022 to dissuade lawmakers from staging walkouts over divisive legislation: Regardless of party affiliation, legislators...
Oregon voters sent a clear message when an overwhelming majority passed Measure 113 in 2022 to dissuade lawmakers from staging walkouts over divisive legislation: Regardless of party affiliation, legislators...
Legislators sitting down and waiting
Legislators sitting down and waiting
Apr 19, 2023

Leading advocates in Oregon announce a historic ballot measure campaign to affirm equal rights and personal freedoms for all Oregonians

Equal Rights for All campaign will protect Oregonians’ rights to make personal decisions about our lives, access the healthcare we need, and marry who we love without political interference or government...
Equal Rights for All campaign will protect Oregonians’ rights to make personal decisions about our lives, access the healthcare we need, and marry who we love without political interference or government...
Equal Rights for All SJR 33
Equal Rights for All SJR 33
Mar 1, 2023

Letter to City of Bend re: camping code implementation liability

The city of Bend announced plans Wednesday to sweep a large outdoor camp on North Hunnell Road in March, the latest action in an effort to limit camping in Central Oregon’s largest city.

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The city of Bend announced plans Wednesday to sweep a large outdoor camp on North Hunnell Road in March, the latest action in an effort to limit camping in Central Oregon’s largest city.

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Illustration of diverse houseless people outdoors with the Portland city outline behind them
Illustration of diverse houseless people outdoors with the Portland city outline behind them
Feb 16, 2023

Author George Johnson on Writing Black, Queer — and Banned — Stories

We talked to the author of one of the most banned books in the country about the unique power of books and why Black queer voices are so threatening to those trying to silence them.
We talked to the author of one of the most banned books in the country about the unique power of books and why Black queer voices are so threatening to those trying to silence them.
Author George M. Johnson.
Author George M. Johnson.