2015 brought many challenges to civil liberties, but thanks to our dedicated supporters and volunteers, we faced them head on and helped protect the rights of all Rhode Islanders. Learn more about our work this past year and help keep us strong as we prepare for 2016.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH: The ACLU sued the city of Providence for the third time in five years over First Amendment violations. This time, it was on behalf of Manny Pombo, a street musician who has been barred by police from playing in public and from seeking donations from passersby. (Left: ACLU client Manny Pombo performs on a Providence sidewalk after filing suit against the city.)
The ACLU successfully lobbied to defeat a package of “computer crimes” bills sponsored by the Attorney General that would have had a chilling effect on Internet free speech.
OPEN GOVERNMENT: The ACLU filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit on behalf of local journalist Phil Eil, who has been stonewalled by the Drug Enforcement Agency for three years in his efforts to view public evidence in a high-profile criminal trial.
After a series of inadequate open records responses by state agencies, the ACLU and a coalition of open government advocates met with the Governor’s office to press for greater transparency in her Administration.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION: Housing discrimination against veterans and active service members is now illegal, and children in DCYF care are now protected from discrimination thanks to two new laws that the ACLU strongly supported.
DUE PROCESS: A family’s two “vicious” dogs were returned home after the ACLU successfully challenged the illegal seizure of the pets under a town ordinance that conflicted with state law. (Right: Balou, one of the two dogs illegally seized in North Kingstown, sits next to his young owner.)
A federal appeals court rejected attempts to dismiss an ACLU lawsuit seeking damages for a naturalized U.S. citizen who has twice been wrongly detained by immigration officials.
PRIVACY: Responding to ACLU objections, the Warwick police and Motel 6 revised an agreement to share the motel’s guest list without notifying customers.
The ACLU brought to light the R.I. Airport Corporation’s participation in an experimental Department of Homeland Security project to expand a discredited “behavior detection” program, and called for a halt to further collaboration on such activities.
WOMEN’S RIGHTS: Pregnant and breastfeeding workers are now ensured accommodations and protected from discrimination after the passage of a law supported by the ACLU and many other organizations.
The ACLU filed a charge of sex discrimination against the Harmony Fire District on behalf of a female EMT/firefighter who was fired after she and others expressed concerns about women being treated unfairly in the fire department. (Left: Kimberly Perreault, fired for purportedly being “unhappy” with the fire department, at the ACLU office.)
POLICE PRACTICES: Incidents at Tolman High School in Pawtucket reinforced the ACLU’s long held concerns about the routine presence of police in schools. The ACLU called on all school districts to re-evaluate use of school resource officers and limit the power school officials cede to these officers.
RIGHTS OF PRISONERS: The ACLU obtained monetary damages against the RI Department of Corrections on behalf of an ACI inmate who was retaliated against for publicly criticizing the prison’s mail policy and seeking ACLU assistance.
The ACLU challenged a 106-year-old statute that declares inmates serving life sentences at the ACI to be “civilly dead” and therefore barred from marrying.
STUDENTS’ RIGHTS: ACLU reports found that students of color and students with disabilities continue to be over-suspended, often for minor behavioral infractions. ACLU-drafted legislation that would limit suspensions and require schools to address disparities was poised to become law before the General Assembly’s unexpected adjournment. (Right: Community advocates join the ACLU to call for the passage of this important legislation.)
The ACLU called for action after documenting gender-exclusive student events that perpetuate blatant gender stereotypes were being held with the active support of elementary schools
RIGHTS OF EX-OFFENDERS: The ACLU filed a class action lawsuit challenging an ineffectual and arbitrary state residency prohibition law that would make many sex offenders homeless. A federal court judge has temporarily halted enforcement of the law.
Under threat of ACLU legal action, a dozen municipalities removed illegal questions on their job applications that asked about applicants’ criminal records.
THE “WAR ON DRUGS”: In the midst of the state’s overdose epidemic, the ACLU, along with community groups and medical professionals, continued to call for the renewal and expansion of the life-saving Good Samaritan Law. (Left: Advocates rally at the State House after the General Assembly allowed the law to expire when this year’s session abruptly ended.)
In a case affecting thousands of people participating in the state’s medical marijuana program, a judge refused to dismiss an ACLU lawsuit challenging an employer’s decision not to hire a person because of their participation in the program.
IMMIGRANT RIGHTS: After the ACLU, religious groups, and others called on Gov. Gina Raimondo to denounce rising xenophobia and affirm that Syrian refugees are welcome in Rhode Island, Gov. Raimondo announced that the state would welcome Syrian refugees with compassion.
The ACLU filed a federal civil rights complaint against the DMV for refusing to provide any accommodations to individuals with Limited English Proficiency applying for Rhode Island drivers’ licenses.
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