Rhode Island Affiliate, American Civil Liberties Union
The Rhode Island ACLU has recently published a brochure answering commonly asked questions about protests and demonstrations in Rhode Island. Check it out!
“A country proclaiming that its people have the freedom to speak their minds and to meet peacefully with anyone they wish, that the practice of religion is each citizen’s choice, that unreasonable searches and arrests are not permitted, and that equal protection of the law is required for all of its citizens has its heart in the right place. But that heart needs to be protected.”
Read John's membership story here.
Latest News
RI ACLU Praises Department of Corrections For Adopting Anti-Shackling Regulations
February 2, 2012
The Rhode Island ACLU today applauded the Department of Corrections (DOC) for adopting suggestions to strengthen proposed rules that will govern the use of restraints on pregnant prisoners. These new regulations, based on ACLU-drafted legislation passed last June, generally prohibit the use of handcuffs, shackles, and waist restraints on a pregnant inmate during transport, labor, delivery, and recovery. They also allow only “medically appropriate” restraints to be used during the second and third trimester of an inmate’s pregnancy.
ACLU Claims Central Falls Receiver Meetings Are Being Conducted Illegally
January 30, 2012
The RI ACLU charged today that the Central Falls Receiver is conducting illegal meetings in running the City’s affairs under the state law authorizing his appointment. The claim is contained in a letter that the ACLU sent Receiver Robert Flanders, Jr. earlier this month after his enactment, and then suspension, of an ordinance restricting on-street parking in the city.
January 18, 2012
A federal district court heard oral arguments today on whether to dismiss an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official from the federal lawsuit filed by the R.I. ACLU on behalf of the family of a detainee who died while in the custody of immigration officials at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls. ACLU volunteer attorneys Fidelma Fitzpatrick and Robert McConnell urged the judge to reject the government’s motion.
Judge Rules Cranston Prayer Mural Unconstitutional
January 12, 2012
The Rhode Island ACLU today applauded a decision issued by U.S. District Judge Ronald Lagueux in the ACLU’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a prayer mural addressed to “Our Heavenly Father” that is displayed in the auditorium of a Cranston public high school. In a 40-page opinion, the court found the display to violate the First Amendment and ordered its immediate removal.
Providence, RI 02903