Racial Justice

The authors of the Declaration of Independence outlined a bold vision for America: a nation in which there would be equal justice for all. Today, despite important gains in legal, political, and other spheres, deep-seated racial inequities remain woven into the fabric of our institutions — from education and housing to our criminal legal system.

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Explore our work to preserve and extend constitutionally guaranteed rights to people who are denied those rights on the basis of race.

The Latest

Publication | Letters & Testimony
Letters + Testimony

LETTER Re: Providence Real Time Crime Center Privacy Concerns

This letter was sent to the Providence Mayor and Providence Chief Police regarding the new Real Time Crime Center, and numerous concerns about the lack of privacy protections in place. The letter calls on Providence leaders to pass a robust municipal ordinance protecting privacy rights.
News & Commentary
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RI Judge Grants Motion to Block Trump-Vance Administration’s Unlawful Restrictions on Funding for Critical Services for Survivors, LGBTQI+ Youth, and Unhoused Communities

Rhode Island District Judge Melissa R. DuBose has granted a request to temporarily block the Trump-Vance administration from adding harmful new restrictions on federal grant programs administered by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Know Your Rights
Driving While Black in RI

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: What to Do if You're Stopped by Police, Immigration or the FBI

Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights!
Resource
Purple graphic with yellow text, "Rhode Island's Firewall for Freedom"

Firewall for Freedom: Protecting Rhode Island

Court Case
Jun 01, 2020

Johnson v. Pawtucket

This is a lawsuit against the City of Pawtucket over a School Resource Officer’s (SRO) unlawful handcuffing and arrest of a 13-year-old African-American middle school honors student.
Court Case
Apr 18, 2020

Medeiros et. al. v. ICE

This is an emergency lawsuit seeking the release of three immigrants being detained at the Wyatt Detention Center who are at high risk for serious illness or death in the event of COVID-19 infection.
Court Case
Mar 27, 2020

English Learner Students v. Providence School District

Court Case
Mar 18, 2020

Clark v. Providence Police Department

This is a charge of race discrimination against the Providence Police Department and a formal claim for damages with the City of Providence. The damages claim is a legal prerequisite to the filing of a lawsuit on behalf of the plaintiff, Michael Clark, an African-American recruit who was dismissed