News & Commentary

The creation of a Catholic public school violates the separation of church and state.

Academic freedom and free speech are essential. Universities must protect them.

As Women’s History month draws to a close, we want to take a moment to remember Candance Dunn Morgan, a woman who left an indelible mark on the ACLU of Oregon. Candy was a long-time ACLU board member who also served two stints as the Board president from 2005 – 2006 and 2011 – 2014.

Across the country, efforts to install chaplains in public schools threaten to undermine students’ religious freedom rights and their well-being. Here’s what you need to know.

Jackie Yerby's written and personal testimony in support of SB 1583A — Freedom to Read, February 15, 2024

A former Oregon teacher's personal and written testimony in support of SB 1583, submitted to the Senate Committee on Education on February 15, 2024.

Here’s how and when students’ rights are protected on campus.

The ACLU of Oregon is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that defends and advances democracy, civil liberties, and civil rights in Oregon. We are an affiliate of the ACLU, our nation's guardian of liberty for more than 100 years. Important areas of the ACLU’s work include education and advocacy about book bans and censorship in public libraries and classrooms.

Last month, a group of football players at Westview High School in Beaverton were publicly berated by their coach at their game for kneeling during the national anthem. The coach said he thought their act of protest was disrespectful to the country and to the military. He said that high school players didn’t have a platform like professional football players did and encouraged them to act as a team. At a subsequent game, the coach had the players lock arms to “stand in unity” rather than kneel. In both of these instances, the students’ rights to free speech and expression were violated.