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.

Filter News
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
Dec 8, 2023

5 Must-Read Banned Books for Your Holiday Shopping

Free Speech and Pluralism
We can't let our politicians dictate what we read — so this holiday season, consider gifting a banned book to your friends and loved ones.
We can't let our politicians dictate what we read — so this holiday season, consider gifting a banned book to your friends and loved ones.
Ms. P and the right to read
Ms. P and the right to read
Nov 2, 2023

White Supremacy is Fueling Extreme Anti-Immigrant Policy in Texas

Border and Immigrants’ Rights
A radical anti-immigrant bill is advancing through a special legislative session — but Texans can demand their representatives vote no.
A radical anti-immigrant bill is advancing through a special legislative session — but Texans can demand their representatives vote no.
American and Texas state flags flying on the dome of the Texas State Capitol building.
American and Texas state flags flying on the dome of the Texas State Capitol building.