News & Commentary
May 17, 2021
U.S. Supreme Court Unanimously Protects Privacy in Major "Search and Seizure" Case from Rhode Island
In an important victory for privacy rights, the U.S Supreme Court today unanimously rejected police arguments that engaging in a non-criminal “community caretaking” function allows them to search a person’s home without a warrant.
Jan 25, 2021
ACLU Files Brief in US Supreme Court in Major “Search & Seizure” Case from RI
An unfavorable ruling in the case could “give police free rein to enter the home without probable cause or a warrant, whenever they think it is ‘reasonable’ to do so.”
Oct 23, 2020
Report Calling for Decriminalization of Sex Work Cites RI's History
The ACLU has issued a report calling for the decriminalization of sex work, relying in part on evidence from a period of time in RI when indoor sex work was technically legal in the state.
Sep 21, 2020
ACLU Report Shows Alarming Lack of Privacy Protections for Students Engaged in Remote Learning
We released a report which highlights the alarming lack of privacy protections afforded students who use school-loaned laptops. Our report calls for the adoption of laws and policies at the state and local level to address this concerning violation of student privacy rights.
Aug 26, 2020
ACLU Statement on South Kingstown Executive Order Barring Any Gatherings of More than 15 People
UPDATE: In response to the ACLU's objections, South Kingstown issued an amended executive order that favorably addressed our key concerns.
May 19, 2020
ACLU of RI Statement on the “Crush Covid RI” Contact Tracing App
The following statement was issued today by ACLU of Rhode Island executive director Steven Brown on the Governor’s announcement and release of the “Crush Covid RI” app:
Apr 13, 2020
ACLU Calls for Privacy Protections for School “Virtual Learning” to Prevent Snooping on Families
A review of school district policies in the state has prompted the ACLU of Rhode Island to call on all districts to “take prompt action to protect the privacy rights of students and families” with their use of school-loaned devices, such as Chromebooks, and third-party programs that facilitate online learning but also allow for widespread spying on both students and parents. The ACLU’s examination of current school district policies and programs show that they often allow for remote access to a school-loaned computer’s microphone and camera at any time and the ability to view weeks of computer browsing activity, whether on a school laptop or personal computer. In a letter sent to each school district, the ACLU has asked superintendents to take steps to prevent such snooping.
Mar 29, 2020
ACLU Responds to Governor's Latest Order Against Out-of-State Drivers
ACLU of Rhode Island executive director Steven Brown issued the following statement in response to the latest order from Governor Gina Raimondo giving State Police and the National Guard the power to stop any car with out-of-state license plates coming into Rhode Island:
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