ACLU of Texas - Texas Program

Our special programs and projects focus on protecting fundamental rights and liberties in the Lone Star State, bringing focused attention to specific threats to rights and liberties and building diverse coalitions of groups to leverage collective power.

A Reformer for Justice

The ACLU of Texas delves deeply into the causes of threats to civil rights and individual liberty in Texas. Our work in the areas of racial profiling and police accountability - indeed the entire spectrum of Texans' criminal justice concerns - has become a national model, and has brought common sense reforms in a conservative state.

Respected Advocacy

Likewise, the ACLU of Texas has reached beyond ACLU's traditional courtroom environment. In the Texas Legislature, we find allies across ideological lines and advance legislation that guards liberty. We connect with people confronting civil rights issues in their communities, providing education, vehicles for activism, and a wide range of advocacy efforts.

Dedicated guardian of liberty

At the same time, our legal program is able to address civil rights and civil liberties problems through litigation, using a network of cooperating attorneys coordinated by our Legal Director and state legal panel, impact litigation, and joint efforts with our national office.

Public Education

Keeping the public informed about individual liberty and civil rights is an important part of our mission. Educating, motivating and mobilizing people sustains our legal and legislative activities. Through media communications, chapter activities, public events, and speaker’s bureaus, the Public Education Department and the Field Organizer provide support for 14 chapters across the state.

Growing Effectiveness

Thanks to the support of thousands of ACLU members in Texas, and the vigorous support of affiliates by the ACLU national office, our budget is five times the size it was in 2000. We've dramatically increased staffing, become a coalition builder, and reached out across almost every political line that divides us in order to bring our best efforts to our work. Texans deserve nothing less.

With continued support of members and donors, the ACLU of Texas will continue to exceed expectations and to broaden our reach until no one is above the law's authority and no one is beneath the law's protection.

Click the links at the top right of this page for more information about our special programs and projects.