ACLU of Rhode Island
@riaclu.bsky.social
Defending fundamental rights and freedoms in the Ocean State since 1959. riaclu.org
This is your last chance in 2025 to make a tax-deductible donation to help protect civil liberties right here in RI.
Your donation of any amount enables us to monitor our state, and act when your rights are under threat.
Make a donation now: https://riaclu.networkforgood.com/
Your donation of any amount enables us to monitor our state, and act when your rights are under threat.
Make a donation now: https://riaclu.networkforgood.com/
December 30, 2025 at 12:20 PM
This is your last chance in 2025 to make a tax-deductible donation to help protect civil liberties right here in RI.
Your donation of any amount enables us to monitor our state, and act when your rights are under threat.
Make a donation now: https://riaclu.networkforgood.com/
Your donation of any amount enables us to monitor our state, and act when your rights are under threat.
Make a donation now: https://riaclu.networkforgood.com/
This is a big thread of some of our work this year. Buckle up for just 12 of the actions we took in this turbulent year for civil liberties… 🧵
December 29, 2025 at 2:43 PM
This is a big thread of some of our work this year. Buckle up for just 12 of the actions we took in this turbulent year for civil liberties… 🧵
Do you know what protections there are in RI against the Trump administration’s attacks on our rights this past year?
We’ve been updating our website with information about new lawsuits and legislation (both good and bad) as we’ve defended our democracy at the local and state level in 2025.
We’ve been updating our website with information about new lawsuits and legislation (both good and bad) as we’ve defended our democracy at the local and state level in 2025.
Firewall for Freedom: Protecting Rhode Island - ACLU of Rhode Island
The work to protect our rights and liberties is a marathon, not a sprint.
www.riaclu.org
December 27, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Do you know what protections there are in RI against the Trump administration’s attacks on our rights this past year?
We’ve been updating our website with information about new lawsuits and legislation (both good and bad) as we’ve defended our democracy at the local and state level in 2025.
We’ve been updating our website with information about new lawsuits and legislation (both good and bad) as we’ve defended our democracy at the local and state level in 2025.
Our winter newsletter is out!
This issue includes our year in review, many local updates, and our 2025 case docket with more than 40 cases that are new, active, or closed this year.
Read it here: https://www.riaclu.org/publications/newsletter-2025-winter/
This issue includes our year in review, many local updates, and our 2025 case docket with more than 40 cases that are new, active, or closed this year.
Read it here: https://www.riaclu.org/publications/newsletter-2025-winter/
NEWSLETTER - 2025 - Winter - ACLU of Rhode Island
FRONT PAGE: ACLU of RI Sues Governor McKee to Protect Free Speech, Protesters' Rights Also, the 2025 Legal Docket with new, active, and closed cases.
www.riaclu.org
December 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Our winter newsletter is out!
This issue includes our year in review, many local updates, and our 2025 case docket with more than 40 cases that are new, active, or closed this year.
Read it here: https://www.riaclu.org/publications/newsletter-2025-winter/
This issue includes our year in review, many local updates, and our 2025 case docket with more than 40 cases that are new, active, or closed this year.
Read it here: https://www.riaclu.org/publications/newsletter-2025-winter/
BREAKING: A RI federal judge ruled from the bench to grant a preliminary injunction that protects critical housing funding, for RI organizations like Crossroads Rhode Island and Youth Pride, and nonprofits and local governments across the country.
This is an initial victory, as the case continues.
This is an initial victory, as the case continues.
Court Blocks New Restrictions That Threaten Proven Solutions to Homelessness - ACLU of Rhode Island
Preliminary Injunction Pauses Unlawful Funding Condition for Housing Effort and Restores Lawful Conditions
www.riaclu.org
December 19, 2025 at 5:57 PM
BREAKING: A RI federal judge ruled from the bench to grant a preliminary injunction that protects critical housing funding, for RI organizations like Crossroads Rhode Island and Youth Pride, and nonprofits and local governments across the country.
This is an initial victory, as the case continues.
This is an initial victory, as the case continues.
“We’re not talking about gaining access to confidential investigatory efforts. These are basic records.”
We’ve been advocating for years to modernize and improve RI's public records laws, despite pushback from law enforcement agencies. Rhode Islanders deserve reasonable access to public records.
We’ve been advocating for years to modernize and improve RI's public records laws, despite pushback from law enforcement agencies. Rhode Islanders deserve reasonable access to public records.
Brown shooting leaves a community searching for answers. But R.I. law keeps key information hidden. • Rhode Island Current
Brown University mass shooting has added emphasis to advocates' push to make 911 calls and university police arrest reports subject to public records requests.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:34 PM
“We’re not talking about gaining access to confidential investigatory efforts. These are basic records.”
We’ve been advocating for years to modernize and improve RI's public records laws, despite pushback from law enforcement agencies. Rhode Islanders deserve reasonable access to public records.
We’ve been advocating for years to modernize and improve RI's public records laws, despite pushback from law enforcement agencies. Rhode Islanders deserve reasonable access to public records.
Reposted by ACLU of Rhode Island
The Bill of Rights was ratified on this day in 1791.
For the last 105 years, we've defended those rights, alongside the entire Constitution, and we aren't stopping any time soon.
For the last 105 years, we've defended those rights, alongside the entire Constitution, and we aren't stopping any time soon.
December 15, 2025 at 7:05 PM
The Bill of Rights was ratified on this day in 1791.
For the last 105 years, we've defended those rights, alongside the entire Constitution, and we aren't stopping any time soon.
For the last 105 years, we've defended those rights, alongside the entire Constitution, and we aren't stopping any time soon.
A little more info about why we’re intervening with @commoncauseri.bsky.social in the DOJ’s attempt to get Rhode Islanders’ voter data.
December 12, 2025 at 6:05 PM
A little more info about why we’re intervening with @commoncauseri.bsky.social in the DOJ’s attempt to get Rhode Islanders’ voter data.
Big privacy win!
Yesterday, after hearing from concerned residents, the Warren Town Council REJECTED the RI State Police’s request to install a Flock automated license plate reader in the town.
We hope other councils considering these invasive cameras, like Bristol + Portsmouth, will follow suit.
Yesterday, after hearing from concerned residents, the Warren Town Council REJECTED the RI State Police’s request to install a Flock automated license plate reader in the town.
We hope other councils considering these invasive cameras, like Bristol + Portsmouth, will follow suit.
December 10, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Big privacy win!
Yesterday, after hearing from concerned residents, the Warren Town Council REJECTED the RI State Police’s request to install a Flock automated license plate reader in the town.
We hope other councils considering these invasive cameras, like Bristol + Portsmouth, will follow suit.
Yesterday, after hearing from concerned residents, the Warren Town Council REJECTED the RI State Police’s request to install a Flock automated license plate reader in the town.
We hope other councils considering these invasive cameras, like Bristol + Portsmouth, will follow suit.
BREAKING: We’re representing Common Cause to intervene in the federal government’s attempt to obtain RI voters’ personal info.
This is a matter of protecting our data from potential misuse — like disenfranchising voters or making data more vulnerable to hackers. www.riaclu.org/news/common-...
This is a matter of protecting our data from potential misuse — like disenfranchising voters or making data more vulnerable to hackers. www.riaclu.org/news/common-...
Common Cause, ACLU Take on Trump Administration in Court to Protect Rhode Island Voters’ Data - ACLU of Rhode Island
Common Cause and some individual voters have today intervened in a recently filed lawsuit in order to prevent the U.S. Department of Justice from obtaining sensitive, non-public information contained ...
www.riaclu.org
December 9, 2025 at 6:59 PM
BREAKING: We’re representing Common Cause to intervene in the federal government’s attempt to obtain RI voters’ personal info.
This is a matter of protecting our data from potential misuse — like disenfranchising voters or making data more vulnerable to hackers. www.riaclu.org/news/common-...
This is a matter of protecting our data from potential misuse — like disenfranchising voters or making data more vulnerable to hackers. www.riaclu.org/news/common-...
Nine RI senators plan to introduce two bills in the upcoming Legislative Session to criminalize protesters who "loiter" on roadways or delay traffic.
There are *already* criminal penalties for obstructing roads in RI law.
We'll strongly oppose bills like this that erode our First Amendment rights!
There are *already* criminal penalties for obstructing roads in RI law.
We'll strongly oppose bills like this that erode our First Amendment rights!
Nine Rhode Island State Senators want to decide where and how you may protest
"...Rhode Island laws already impose criminal penalties for obstructing a roadway," notes RIACLU's Steven Brown. "There is no need for another law that is clearly designed simply to be more punitive."
steveahlquist.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Nine RI senators plan to introduce two bills in the upcoming Legislative Session to criminalize protesters who "loiter" on roadways or delay traffic.
There are *already* criminal penalties for obstructing roads in RI law.
We'll strongly oppose bills like this that erode our First Amendment rights!
There are *already* criminal penalties for obstructing roads in RI law.
We'll strongly oppose bills like this that erode our First Amendment rights!
This Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to check if your employer will match charitable donations — it’s an easy way to potentially double your generous gifts (to the ACLU of RI and beyond!)
December 2, 2025 at 7:43 PM
This Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to check if your employer will match charitable donations — it’s an easy way to potentially double your generous gifts (to the ACLU of RI and beyond!)
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE: We just filed a “friend of the court” brief alongside The Laywering Project in a case that's trying to stop the dismantling of the federal government’s Division of Reproductive Health, which works to support maternal and infant health and combats pregnancy deaths.
ACLU of RI and The Lawyering Project File Court Brief Opposing the Dismantling of Federal Maternal Health Infrastructure - ACLU of Rhode Island
A “friend of the court” brief that illustrates through personal stories the critical need for federal systems that work to prevent maternal deaths.
www.riaclu.org
December 2, 2025 at 5:32 PM
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE: We just filed a “friend of the court” brief alongside The Laywering Project in a case that's trying to stop the dismantling of the federal government’s Division of Reproductive Health, which works to support maternal and infant health and combats pregnancy deaths.
The Trump admin's new unlawful restrictions on federal housing funding could lead to over 170k families being pushed into homelessness, right as winter months arrive.
We're suing the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Dev. to ensure orgs like Crossroads RI and Youth Pride can continue to provide housing.
We're suing the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Dev. to ensure orgs like Crossroads RI and Youth Pride can continue to provide housing.
Local Governments and Nonprofit Groups Challenge Unlawful New Trump-Vance Administration Restrictions That Threaten Proven Solutions to Homelessness - ACLU of Rhode Island
Suit Raises Concerns that Trump-Vance Administration Actions Will Push More Than 170,000 People Into Homelessness as Cold Winter Months Arrive
www.riaclu.org
December 1, 2025 at 9:06 PM
The Trump admin's new unlawful restrictions on federal housing funding could lead to over 170k families being pushed into homelessness, right as winter months arrive.
We're suing the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Dev. to ensure orgs like Crossroads RI and Youth Pride can continue to provide housing.
We're suing the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Dev. to ensure orgs like Crossroads RI and Youth Pride can continue to provide housing.
Whether your friends + family are tuned out from civil liberties issues, share misinformation, or are feeling apathetic, check out the National ACLU’s holiday conversation guide for how to approach important conversations this holiday season: https://www.aclu.org/the-aclus-holiday-conversation-guide
The ACLU’s Holiday Conversation Guide
We know many of us will find ourselves gathering around tables this holiday season with a wide range of folks in our lives — loved ones, friends, chosen family, and the family you'd only choose to spend one day a year with. We also know not everyone in our lives will agree on the issues that we so f…
www.aclu.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Whether your friends + family are tuned out from civil liberties issues, share misinformation, or are feeling apathetic, check out the National ACLU’s holiday conversation guide for how to approach important conversations this holiday season: https://www.aclu.org/the-aclus-holiday-conversation-guide
If you want to steer clear of divisive discussions as you're going to spend time with your family, friends, and loved ones this holiday season, we've got the perfect conversation topic for your social gatherings: Flock cameras, privacy, and surveillance in Rhode Island! (1/2)
November 25, 2025 at 3:23 PM
If you want to steer clear of divisive discussions as you're going to spend time with your family, friends, and loved ones this holiday season, we've got the perfect conversation topic for your social gatherings: Flock cameras, privacy, and surveillance in Rhode Island! (1/2)
Do you have a smart meter installed by RI Energy? They’re intended to be more efficient, but you probably don't realize they simultaneously collect a lot of personal data about you + your habits based on your energy usage.
We're calling for transparent, enforceable privacy + data usage protections.
We're calling for transparent, enforceable privacy + data usage protections.
LETTER Re: RI Energy Smart Meters - ACLU of Rhode Island
This letter was sent to RI Energy's Director of Government Affairs regarding the ongoing implementation of "smart meters" and privacy concerns about collection, usage, and storage of people's data.
www.riaclu.org
November 22, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Do you have a smart meter installed by RI Energy? They’re intended to be more efficient, but you probably don't realize they simultaneously collect a lot of personal data about you + your habits based on your energy usage.
We're calling for transparent, enforceable privacy + data usage protections.
We're calling for transparent, enforceable privacy + data usage protections.
ICE continues to terrorize our communities and spread fear.
If you see ICE, call the AMOR deportation defense line: 401-675-1414.
We will continue to fight to protect immigrants’ rights, and due process rights for all, in the courts and in the upcoming Legislative Session.
If you see ICE, call the AMOR deportation defense line: 401-675-1414.
We will continue to fight to protect immigrants’ rights, and due process rights for all, in the courts and in the upcoming Legislative Session.
#BREAKING: A student intern at Rhode Island Superior Court was briefly taken into custody by ICE this afternoon before a judge intervened, 12 News has learned. Story by @jusolyn.bsky.social and @timwhiteri.bsky.social: ⤵️
RI judge intervenes after ICE mistakenly detains Superior Court intern
A teenager was nearly taken into federal immigration custody in Providence Thursday afternoon before a Superior Court judge intervened, according to the Rhode Island Judiciary.
www.wpri.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:18 PM
ICE continues to terrorize our communities and spread fear.
If you see ICE, call the AMOR deportation defense line: 401-675-1414.
We will continue to fight to protect immigrants’ rights, and due process rights for all, in the courts and in the upcoming Legislative Session.
If you see ICE, call the AMOR deportation defense line: 401-675-1414.
We will continue to fight to protect immigrants’ rights, and due process rights for all, in the courts and in the upcoming Legislative Session.
Reposted by ACLU of Rhode Island
On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the trans people lost to violence in the U.S. this year.
Widespread poverty, homelessness, and discrimination makes trans people 4x more likely to experience violence than the average person.
We shouldn’t have to live in fear to be who we are.
Widespread poverty, homelessness, and discrimination makes trans people 4x more likely to experience violence than the average person.
We shouldn’t have to live in fear to be who we are.
November 20, 2025 at 2:08 PM
On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the trans people lost to violence in the U.S. this year.
Widespread poverty, homelessness, and discrimination makes trans people 4x more likely to experience violence than the average person.
We shouldn’t have to live in fear to be who we are.
Widespread poverty, homelessness, and discrimination makes trans people 4x more likely to experience violence than the average person.
We shouldn’t have to live in fear to be who we are.
TONIGHT: We’re urging the Providence City Council to REJECT a discriminatory ordinance that would increase housing costs for students and invade their privacy.
We sent the Council a letter outlining our concerns, you can read it here ⬇️
We sent the Council a letter outlining our concerns, you can read it here ⬇️
LETTER Re: Proposed Surcharge on Providence Student Renters - ACLU of Rhode Island
This letter was sent to the Providence City Council regarding a proposed ordinance that would require landlords to pay a $300 surcharge for each student tenant living in off-campus apartments occupied...
www.riaclu.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:01 PM
TONIGHT: We’re urging the Providence City Council to REJECT a discriminatory ordinance that would increase housing costs for students and invade their privacy.
We sent the Council a letter outlining our concerns, you can read it here ⬇️
We sent the Council a letter outlining our concerns, you can read it here ⬇️
The Bristol Town Council voted yesterday to DELAY approving the RI State Police's request to install "at least one" Flock camera in the town until Dec. 10. Flock systems are capable of extremely invasive surveillance.
Bristol residents: Contact your Town Council + urge them to REJECT Flock Cameras!
Bristol residents: Contact your Town Council + urge them to REJECT Flock Cameras!
November 13, 2025 at 4:18 PM
The Bristol Town Council voted yesterday to DELAY approving the RI State Police's request to install "at least one" Flock camera in the town until Dec. 10. Flock systems are capable of extremely invasive surveillance.
Bristol residents: Contact your Town Council + urge them to REJECT Flock Cameras!
Bristol residents: Contact your Town Council + urge them to REJECT Flock Cameras!
“If you want to keep your civil liberties, you need to be prepared to fight for them!” – our Board President
Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday for our Annual Meeting to connect as a community!
Special thanks to sponsor DeLuca, Weizenbaum, Barry & Revens, Ltd.
Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday for our Annual Meeting to connect as a community!
Special thanks to sponsor DeLuca, Weizenbaum, Barry & Revens, Ltd.
November 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM
“If you want to keep your civil liberties, you need to be prepared to fight for them!” – our Board President
Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday for our Annual Meeting to connect as a community!
Special thanks to sponsor DeLuca, Weizenbaum, Barry & Revens, Ltd.
Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday for our Annual Meeting to connect as a community!
Special thanks to sponsor DeLuca, Weizenbaum, Barry & Revens, Ltd.
PASSED ✅ The PVD City Council just voted to protect immigrants’ rights!
The ordinance will greatly limit the use of city resources to assist federal immigration agencies.
The last step is for Mayor Smiley to sign the ordinance. We applaud the Council for protecting the immigrant community.
The ordinance will greatly limit the use of city resources to assist federal immigration agencies.
The last step is for Mayor Smiley to sign the ordinance. We applaud the Council for protecting the immigrant community.
November 6, 2025 at 11:33 PM
PASSED ✅ The PVD City Council just voted to protect immigrants’ rights!
The ordinance will greatly limit the use of city resources to assist federal immigration agencies.
The last step is for Mayor Smiley to sign the ordinance. We applaud the Council for protecting the immigrant community.
The ordinance will greatly limit the use of city resources to assist federal immigration agencies.
The last step is for Mayor Smiley to sign the ordinance. We applaud the Council for protecting the immigrant community.
LAWSUIT SUCCESS: Young kids eligible for special ed programs in Providence are now receiving the education they're entitled to!
As a result, a 2023 class-action suit we filed against the PVD School District and RIDE for not providing 3-5 yr old children necessary special ed services is now closed.
As a result, a 2023 class-action suit we filed against the PVD School District and RIDE for not providing 3-5 yr old children necessary special ed services is now closed.
Closure Reached in Suit Against Providence for Failing to Provide Special Education Services to Preschool Children - ACLU of Rhode Island
Closure reached in a federal class-action lawsuit filed in May 2023 against the Providence school district and the R.I. Department of Education, alleging that hundreds of children with disabilities be...
www.riaclu.org
November 5, 2025 at 2:30 PM
LAWSUIT SUCCESS: Young kids eligible for special ed programs in Providence are now receiving the education they're entitled to!
As a result, a 2023 class-action suit we filed against the PVD School District and RIDE for not providing 3-5 yr old children necessary special ed services is now closed.
As a result, a 2023 class-action suit we filed against the PVD School District and RIDE for not providing 3-5 yr old children necessary special ed services is now closed.
