Letters & Testimony

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.

Filter Publications

LETTER Re: Barrington Schools Hiring School Resource Officers

This is a letter to the Barrington School Committee from ten Rhode Island organizations urging the Committee to not hire additional School Resource Officers (SROs).

May 1, 2023

LETTER Re: Proposed Smithfield School Policy on LGBTQ+ Student Privacy

This is a letter to the Smithfield School Committee expressing deep concern about a proposed policy to "out" LGBTQ+ students to their parents, and possibly other students' parents.

May 1, 2023

LETTER Re: Rhode Island DMV Driver's Manual Section

Two letters sent to the Administrator of the RI Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regarding a section of the driver's manual that provided questionable guidance to motorists about their rights during police vehicle stops, urging the section be revised.

March 28, 2023

LETTER Re: Proposed Amendment to Definition of "Adult Entertainment" Before the Bristol Town Council

The ACLU of RI opposed a proposition before the Bristol Town Council which would amend the definition of "adult entertainment" in a way that would undermine First Amendment principles and would be inappropriately aimed at LGBTQ+ individuals.

March 1, 2023

TESTIMONY Re: Rhode Island State Police Code of Conduct Regulations

Testimony submitted to the Rhode Island State Police concerning proposed rules and regulations for the code of conduct for sworn members resulted in an important amendment to the regulations which ensured compliance with body-worn camera regulations and the state's whistleblower protection law.

February 21, 2023

LETTER Re: Warwick Community Room Policy

This letter was sent to Mayor of Warwick Frank Picozzi and the Warwick Public Library Board of Trustees regarding their problematic policies governing access to community and meeting rooms.

January 10, 2023