News & Commentary
Feb 12, 2021
Court Declares Ban on "Offensive" Vanity Plates is Unconstitutional
The judgment comes in a lawsuit filed in March 2020 on behalf of Sean Carroll, an environmentally conscious Tesla owner who was ordered by the DMV to turn in his license plate “FKGAS” or else have his car registration cancelled.
Feb 09, 2021
Court Rules that Johnston Police Department Violated Free Speech Rights of Former Detective
In an important free speech decision, a U.S. District Judge has ruled that Johnston Police violated the First Amendment rights of retired Detective James Brady.
Jan 22, 2021
ACLU Sues Town of Portsmouth over Political Sign Ban
We have filed a challenged to a Portsmouth town ordinance banning the posting of political signs on residential, private property.
Oct 04, 2020
Court Rules That Ban on “Offensive” License Plates Likely Violates First Amendment
A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction in support of our lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a state law that gives the DMV Administrator carte blanche authority to deny vanity license plates.
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.
Aug 18, 2020
ACLU of RI Sues on Behalf of Black Recruit Drummed Out of the Providence Police Academy
The ACLU of RI has filed a federal lawsuit charging the Providence Police with discrimination and other rights violations against a Black recruit who was dismissed Academy.
Jun 04, 2020
ACLU Blasts Discriminatory Enforcement of Providence's Emergency Curfew
The ACLU of Rhode Island today blasted the City of Providence’s continuing implementation of a weeklong State of Emergency and nighttime curfew for city residents and called for its immediate repeal after learning that city licensing officials advised local restaurants that they remain
Jun 04, 2020
DLT Agrees to Take Interim Action to Address Lack of Notice over Frozen Unemployment Payments
The state Department of Labor and Training has agreed to take a series of interim steps to begin rectifying the situation faced by thousands of residents whose unemployment insurance benefit payments were frozen without notice or explanation as part of a fraud investigation. The agreement came at a court hearing late yesterday before U.S. District Judge William Smith on a request by ACLU of Rhode Island attorneys for a temporary restraining order against the state.
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.