News and Commentary

As the leading civil rights organization in the Lone Star State, we at the ACLU of Texas believe it is our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.

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May 9, 2024

In Austin, a Lawyer is a Luxury

Smart Justice
The ACLU and ACLU of Texas demand counsel at first appearance in a new lawsuit. A report, based on hundreds of bail hearings in Travis County, Texas, highlights why legal representation is crucial.
The ACLU and ACLU of Texas demand counsel at first appearance in a new lawsuit. A report, based on hundreds of bail hearings in Travis County, Texas, highlights why legal representation is crucial.
A cell door in a prison being locked by a gloved officer.
A cell door in a prison being locked by a gloved officer.
Apr 26, 2024

Open Letter to College and University Presidents on Student Protests

Free Speech and Pluralism
Academic freedom and free speech are essential. Universities must protect them.
Academic freedom and free speech are essential. Universities must protect them.
A faculty rally in favor of academic free speech is held in the main quad at Columbia University in New York.
A faculty rally in favor of academic free speech is held in the main quad at Columbia University in New York.
Mar 15, 2024

Giant Puppets Rally for Immigrants at the Texas Capitol

Border and Immigrants’ Rights
More than 1,000 people — with giant 15-foot puppets — rallied at the State Capitol in Austin to send a clear message: Immigrants are welcome here!
More than 1,000 people — with giant 15-foot puppets — rallied at the State Capitol in Austin to send a clear message: Immigrants are welcome here!
Two giant puppets greet attendees at an immigrants' rights rally
Two giant puppets greet attendees at an immigrants' rights rally
Feb 15, 2024

What To Know About Harris County’s 2024 District Attorney Candidates

Smart Justice
A district attorney is one of the most powerful elected officials in our local community. Learn more about the candidates for Harris County's next DA.
A district attorney is one of the most powerful elected officials in our local community. Learn more about the candidates for Harris County's next DA.
Outline of the Houston downtown skyline
Outline of the Houston downtown skyline
Jan 10, 2024

I Went Up Against the Texas Legal System's Anti-Trans Hair Policy — And Won

LGBTQIA+ Equality
Thanks to my relentless advocacy and a lawsuit I pursued with the ACLU of Texas, an important victory now helps me and countless others live more authentically as ourselves in Texas prisons.
By Lilly Anne Hopkins
Thanks to my relentless advocacy and a lawsuit I pursued with the ACLU of Texas, an important victory now helps me and countless others live more authentically as ourselves in Texas prisons.
By Lilly Anne Hopkins
TDCJ building in Austin, Texas
TDCJ building in Austin, Texas
Dec 18, 2023

5 Ways Texans Made Our State Better in 2023

Free Speech and Pluralism

In the face of unprecedented attacks, Texans of all backgrounds showed up this year as visionary leaders.

In the face of unprecedented attacks, Texans of all backgrounds showed up this year as visionary leaders.

five boxes representing five different issue areas, immigrant rights, reproductive freedom, lgbtqia+ rights, voting rights, and student rights
five boxes representing five different issue areas, immigrant rights, reproductive freedom, lgbtqia+ rights, voting rights, and student rights