Court Cases

The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island and The Lawyering Project, a national organization that works to improve access to reproductive health care, filed a “friend of the court” brief today that shares stories of three people who experienced a loss of a loved one due to preventable pregnancy complications, in support of a lawsuit challenging the proposed dismantling of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s Division of Reproductive Health (DRH). The brief, also filed on behalf of four organizations that seek to address maternal and infant mortality and improve maternal outcomes, illustrates through personal stories the critical need for federal systems that work to prevent maternal deaths.

This "friend of the court" brief was submitted to challenge the RI Attorney General's position that state officials are immune from ever being sued in federal court under one of RI’s key anti-discrimination civil rights statutes.

This case suit challenges new funding restrictions on federal housing grants. Under the new funding application rules, service providers and communities are blocked from applying for federal housing funds for new permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness if they operate in jurisdictions with policies the Trump-Vance administration disfavors. This includes cities and states, like Rhode Island, that the Trump Administration deems to be “sanctuary protections” for immigrants; that provide services considered “harm reduction” services for drug users; and that have inclusive policies for transgender people.  

This is “friend of the court” brief arguing that the Providence Board of Licenses’ revocation of the Foxy Lady’s entertainment license, and the failure to issue a stay of the decision pending full judicial review, violate the club’s First Amendment rights.