A lot of the work we do doesn't result in a lawsuit or other formal measure.
For example, we receive a complaint from a concerned parent of a public school student, and we are able to resolve the issue with a formal letter to the school district. Another example, the RI Board of Elections proposes a new rule or regulation that may violate the U.S. Constitution, then reconsiders upon hearing our testimony on their proposal. Our "behind the scenes" work may not make it on the evening news or into your twitter feed, but these efforts are absolutely critical to protecting the rights of all in the Ocean State.
This letter was sent from the ACLU of Rhode Island and the R.I. Center for Justice during the public comment period for the Rhode Island Supreme Court's proposed changes to the Court's rules
April 11, 2025
This letter was sent to the Providence City Council Committee on Ordiances to urge rejection of a proposed ordinance that would allow a city council member, when accompanied by two notarized witness statements from ward residents, to request the police chief to post a “public nuisance” notice on
March 31, 2025
This letter was sent to the Newport Chief of Police regarding the arrest of a 16-year-old at the Newport St. Patrick's Day parade on March 15, in which the officers appear to use excessive force.
March 24, 2025 This letter was sent to the Warwick City Council on behalf of the ACCESS/RI coalition, that advocates for freedom of information. The letter urges the Council to reject the request for approval on tonight’s agenda of PCR 34-25, “A Resolution Requesting The General Assembly To Review And Consider
March 24, 2025 This letter was sent to the Rhode Island Board of Elections urging them to reject proposed legislation that would make it unlawful for any “candidate, political party, political action committee, or ballot question advocate [to] knowingly be present when a voter executes a mail ballot, except whe
February 25, 2025 This testimony was sent to the RI Department of Revenue (DOR) urging the Department to reject proposed regulations that attempt to further clarify – and narrow – the sales tax exemption on art.
February 14, 2025