News & Commentary

The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today announced the settlement of a federal lawsuit on behalf of Jason Cook, an ACI inmate who, the suit alleged, was the victim of retaliation by prison officials for publicly criticizing RI Department of Corrections’ (DOC) mail policies and seeking legal assistance from the ACLU. Under the settlement, the DOC, while denying any liability, has agreed to pay a total of $7,500 in damages and attorneys’ fees.

The 10-day temporary restraining order granted by a federal judge last week halting the enforcement of the state law prohibiting Level 3 sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet from a school has been extended through at least mid-January.

The American Civil Liberties of Rhode Island has raised serious concerns with a Johnston town ordinance passed last week that could impose “unwarranted, and potentially unlawful, hardship and penalties on individuals who have not engaged in fraudulent activity.” The ordinance, aimed at preventing non-residents from attending Johnston Public Schools, requires every family to submit an affidavit affirming residence their residency in the town. If they do not, the school may refuse to enroll or re-enroll a student.

After receiving complaints that the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles was requiring licensed drivers from Puerto Rico to pass a written exam and road test in order to transfer their driver’s license to Rhode Island, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island has urged Governor Gina Raimondo to immediately order the DMV to accept and transfer licenses from former Puerto Rican residents.

In light of the release of the depositions in the 38 Studios case, it is important to remember that "pleading the fifth" is a fundamental right that protects us all and supports a fair system of justice. As the U.S. Supreme Court eloquently explained over 50 years ago:

After WJAR-TV reported that a family was told they could not send their children to Johnston Public Schools because they were living in a motel in town, the ACLU of Rhode Island contacted the Rhode Island Department of Education to urge Commissioner Ken Wagner to promptly intervene.

My name is Michael Thomas and I am a second year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law. My goal in coming to law school is to become a Public Defender. 

The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island has urged the Providence City Council to reject an ordinance that would restrict certain residential housing from including more than three students. In a letter to the Council, ACLU of Rhode Island executive director Steven Brown stated: "The ordinance’s undue stigmatization of Providence’s students is contrary to the City’s reputation as a robust host to the local colleges and universities. The focus on this one criterion is unfair and extremely unlikely to help resolve any of the legitimate concerns prompting calls for action in the first place.”