News & Commentary
Jul 14, 2025
ACLU of RI Calls on Attorney General to Release Body Camera Footage of Police Shooting of Pawtucket Resident
In a letter citing a lack of public transparency by the Pawtucket Police Department, the ACLU of Rhode Island today called on Attorney General (AG) Peter Neronha to immediately release all police body worn camera (BWC) footage of the shooting last month of resident Sebastian Yidana.
Jun 09, 2025
ACLU Sues Over Social Media Censorship by Smithfield School District
In a case seeking to protect individuals exercising their First Amendment rights from retaliation, ACLU of Rhode Island cooperating attorneys filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Smithfield School District’s actions in blocking a local school critic from the official X accounts of the district
Jun 02, 2025
ACLU Sues Brown University Police for Refusing to Provide Arrest Records to Journalists
Through a lawsuit filed today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island is contesting the Brown University police department’s position that it is not subject to the state’s Access to Public Records Act (APRA) and can keep its arrest reports secret from the public.
Feb 26, 2025
ACLU Report Urges Improvement in Municipal Practices Governing the Public’s Remote Access to Public Meetings
The ACLU of Rhode Island today released a report examining the practices of city and town councils and school committees in providing the public remote access to their meetings, and said there was a need for improvement in their practices. The report, an update to one the ACLU issued almost two year
Oct 23, 2023
ACLU and GoLocalProv Sue Providence Public School District Over Failing to Disclose Public Contract Information
Cooperating attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a lawsuit against the Providence Public School District (PPSD) and the City of Providence on behalf of GoLocalProv, LLC, for providing late and inappropriately redacted public records information
May 31, 2023
ACLU Report Calls on City And Town Councils, School Committees to Promote Greater Public Remote Open Meetings Accessibility
The ACLU of Rhode Island released a report today detailing the open meeting practices of city and town councils and school committees in providing the public remote access to their meetings in a post-Covid environment.
Jun 28, 2022
Suit Settled Over State Police Exclusion of Twin River Employee without Due Process
The ACLU of Rhode Island announced the favorable settlement of a five-year-old lawsuit against the RI State Police (RISP) for retaliating against a Twin River Casino employee who declined to serve as an informant in a criminal gambling investigation.
Jun 09, 2022
Following Challenge, Former State Trooper Reveals his Name in Lawsuit Against State
Following an ACLU challenge on behalf of local advocacy groups, a former state trooper has agreed to no longer proceed anonymously in suing the state after he was fired.
Jun 01, 2022
Groups Seek to Intervene in Court Case to Oppose State Trooper’s Anonymous Lawsuit Over His Termination for Alleged Drunkenness
Groups today filed a motion in R.I. Superior Court challenging a former state trooper’s attempt to proceed anonymously in suing the State Police after he was fired for allegedly not reporting to work because he was too intoxicated.
Stay Informed
Sign up to be the first to hear about how to take action.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.