News and Blogs

We 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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Apr 22, 2025

Educators Speak Out on Harms of Unlawful Education Department Directive

Free Speech
The “Dear Colleague Letter” seeks to dictate teaching, curriculum, and school climate, and limit academic free expression.
The “Dear Colleague Letter” seeks to dictate teaching, curriculum, and school climate, and limit academic free expression.
A student presenting in front of a diverse classroom.
A student presenting in front of a diverse classroom.
Apr 21, 2025

How We Help the Immigrant Community Feel Seen

Immigrants' Rights
When Jeannie Parent and her volunteer group, KWESI, visit immigrants held in a California detention center, she’s inspired by the sense of connection and community she can foster in spite of the circumstances.
When Jeannie Parent and her volunteer group, KWESI, visit immigrants held in a California detention center, she’s inspired by the sense of connection and community she can foster in spite of the circumstances.
A photo of Jeannie Parent.
A photo of Jeannie Parent.
Apr 16, 2025

Trump's Expanded Domestic Military Use Should Worry Us All

Privacy
President Donald Trump's use of the military domestically is dangerous and deeply misguided.
President Donald Trump's use of the military domestically is dangerous and deeply misguided.
Members of the National Guard patrol the area surrounding the outskirts of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Members of the National Guard patrol the area surrounding the outskirts of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Apr 14, 2025

Writing an Op-Ed is Not Grounds for Deportation

Free Speech
The U.S. government’s escalating attacks on noncitizens’ right to free speech, including our client Rümeysa Öztürk, should scare us all.
The U.S. government’s escalating attacks on noncitizens’ right to free speech, including our client Rümeysa Öztürk, should scare us all.
Rümeysa Öztürk headshot
Rümeysa Öztürk headshot
Apr 8, 2025

Letter to My Husband, Mahmoud Khalil

Free Speech
As she prepares to welcome her first child with husband Mahmoud Khalil, Dr. Noor Abdalla writes to her husband one month after he was unlawfully detained for exercising his free speech rights. 
As she prepares to welcome her first child with husband Mahmoud Khalil, Dr. Noor Abdalla writes to her husband one month after he was unlawfully detained for exercising his free speech rights. 
A photo of Mahmoud Khalil and Dr. Noor Abdalla.
A photo of Mahmoud Khalil and Dr. Noor Abdalla.
Apr 8, 2025

Death Row Case Exposes Failures to Protect Childhood Trauma Survivors

Criminal Justice
Mikal Mahdi’s life was marked by abuse. Today, as he awaits execution, the courts have the responsibility to acknowledge the systemic failures that shaped his path.
Mikal Mahdi’s life was marked by abuse. Today, as he awaits execution, the courts have the responsibility to acknowledge the systemic failures that shaped his path.
Mikal Mahdi headshot wearing a white tee shirt.
Mikal Mahdi headshot wearing a white tee shirt.