News & Commentary

The ACLU of Vermont has issued the following response to Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ statement threatening to cut federal funding for jurisdictions that “refus[e] to enforce our immigration laws.”

Civil Rights Organization Marks Milestone with Increased Emphasis on Public Engagement and Policy Advocacy

ACLU is launching a major new grassroots mobilization platform, PeoplePower.org, in response to the growing number of people who believe that Trump’s actions cannot go unchallenged.

On February 6, the ACLU of Vermont sent this letter to Governor Phil Scott, calling on Vermont to implement its Fair & Impartial Policing policy statewide to protect the civil rights of Vermont's immigrant communities.

When Donald Trump was elected president, we promised that if he tried to implement his unconstitutional and un-American policies that we would take him to court. We did that today. And we won.

How the ACLU plans to fight back against the Trump administration when it seeks to violate the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution.

A mere three days after the election, reports of harassment and violence directed at people of color, immigrants, LGBT people, Muslims, and others have been pouring in. Although there are no easy answers, one thing is clear: We can’t sit back and watch this become the new normal.

The ACLU of Vermont has long been committed to supporting and defending the rights of indigenous people and communities. We recognize the vital roles peaceful protest, nonviolent civil disobedience, and activism play in defending our civil and human rights. ACLU-VT stands with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and its allied indigenous nations and supporters across the globe as they speak out against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. 

Last week, the ACLU of Vermont filed an amicus brief with the Vermont Supreme Court in the case of William Schenk, who was charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly leaving KKK recruitment leaflets at the homes of two Burlington women of color. Given the ACLU's longstanding, firm commitment to advancing racial justice and equality, it is understandable that some people might wonder how we can reconcile those values with our involvement in this case.