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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Sep 30, 2019

I Was Arrested for Voting, but I Won’t Let the Government Intimidate Me

Voting Rights and Democracy

This piece originally appeared at the...

By Crystal Mason

This piece originally appeared at the...

By Crystal Mason
Crystal Mason
Crystal Mason
Sep 20, 2019

How Students, Parents, and Teachers Can Address Discrimination in Schools

Students' Rights
With the school year underway, thousands of students around Texas have settled in for another year of learning and academic achievement. 
 
Of course, we all know that for many...
By Brian Klosterboer
With the school year underway, thousands of students around Texas have settled in for another year of learning and academic achievement. 
 
Of course, we all know that for many...
By Brian Klosterboer
Image: A stylized photo shows a school building with a flag pole in front.
Image: A stylized photo shows a school building with a flag pole in front.
Sep 16, 2019

Redistricting Will Shape Our Next 10 Years

Voting Rights and Democracy

I’ve got a secret for you, one that some Lone Star State politicians might not want you to know. An important statewide process is getting started ahead of the 2021 legislative session, a process that...

By Terri Burke, Executive Director, 2008-2020

I’ve got a secret for you, one that some Lone Star State politicians might not want you to know. An important statewide process is getting started ahead of the 2021 legislative session, a process that...

By Terri Burke, Executive Director, 2008-2020
Texas Capitol blue yellow halftone
Texas Capitol blue yellow halftone
Aug 12, 2019

One Person, One Vote: Where Texas Draws the Line

Voting Rights and Democracy

We often hear how important it is to show up at the polls to cast our ballots. What we hear less often is that there’s another, just as important electoral process to participate in: redistricting. And the...

We often hear how important it is to show up at the polls to cast our ballots. What we hear less often is that there’s another, just as important electoral process to participate in: redistricting. And the...

redistricting
redistricting
Jul 19, 2019

Crystal Mason Thought She Had the Right to Vote. Texas Sentenced Her to Five Years in Prison for Trying.

Voting Rights and Democracy
Crystal Mason, a Texas mother of three, is on her way to a job interview but first needs to get her hair done. She stops by the Straight Line Barber Lounge, where the barber is a friend. As they chat, the...
Crystal Mason, a Texas mother of three, is on her way to a job interview but first needs to get her hair done. She stops by the Straight Line Barber Lounge, where the barber is a friend. As they chat, the...
Crystal Mason Header
Crystal Mason Header
Jul 17, 2019

There’s a Sanctuary City Problem in Texas. But it’s Not What You Think.

Reproductive Freedom
If the phrase “sanctuary city for the unborn” sounds like something out of a dystopian fiction novel, I have some bad news. 
 
Mineral Wells, Texas, a small community near Fort Worth,...
If the phrase “sanctuary city for the unborn” sounds like something out of a dystopian fiction novel, I have some bad news. 
 
Mineral Wells, Texas, a small community near Fort Worth,...
Abortion Waskom
Abortion Waskom