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

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!
News & Commentary
Dark green and light yellow graphic including photo of the backs of two high school students wearing backpacks.

ACLU of RI Gains Settlement for Pawtucket Student Unlawfully Handcuffed, Arrested by School Resource Officer in 2019

“At the age of thirteen, our client stood up for her own right and the right of other school children to receive an education instead of being criminalized by the public school system."
Know Your Rights
Driving While Black in RI

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS: Qué Debe Hacer Si La Policía, Agentes De Inmigración O El FBI Lo Detienen

News & Commentary
Purple and yellow images of a gavel and a hemp leaf.

ACLU Files Brief in Support of Gun Owners Criminally Charged for Using Medical Marijuana

"Friend of the court” brief filed supporting a challenge to a federal law that completely bars unlawful users of controlled substances – including medical marijuana, which, though legal in Rhode Island, remains illegal at the federal level –– from possessing firearms.

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation

Court Case
Jul 3, 2026

Parente v. Lefebvre

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.
Court Case
May 13, 2026

"T.J." v. Rose

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