ACLU of Rhode Island
@riaclu.bsky.social
Defending fundamental rights and freedoms in the Ocean State since 1959. riaclu.org
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.
Reposted by ACLU of Rhode Island
ACLU Sues Gov. Dan McKee Over Blocking Protesters at the RI State House. What to Know. | The Providence Journal www.providencejournal.com/story/news/p...
ACLU sues Gov. Dan McKee over blocking protesters at the RI State House. What to know.
The lawsuit accuses Gov. Dan McKee of blocking protesters from the State House rotunda ahead of his annual "State of the State" address.
www.providencejournal.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:30 PM
ACLU Sues Gov. Dan McKee Over Blocking Protesters at the RI State House. What to Know. | The Providence Journal www.providencejournal.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by ACLU of Rhode Island
@riaclu.bsky.social sues Gov. McKee for blocking protesters from State House rotunda during speech. “The rotunda has served as the epicenter for Rhode Islanders to peacefully express their views to state leaders and the public,” ACLU director Steven Brown said.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/28/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/28/m...
ACLU sues Governor McKee for blocking protesters from State House rotunda during speech - The Boston Globe
“The rotunda has served as the epicenter for Rhode Islanders to peacefully express their views to state leaders and the public,” the ACLU’s Steven Brown said. “This lawsuit is designed to ensure that ...
www.bostonglobe.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:14 PM
@riaclu.bsky.social sues Gov. McKee for blocking protesters from State House rotunda during speech. “The rotunda has served as the epicenter for Rhode Islanders to peacefully express their views to state leaders and the public,” ACLU director Steven Brown said.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/28/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/28/m...
FILED: Last January, activists were denied access to the State House rotunda to hold a rally before the Governor's State of the State address.
Now, we’re suing the McKee admin. for violating their rights.
The rotunda's status as a quintessential public space for political speech must be preserved!
Now, we’re suing the McKee admin. for violating their rights.
The rotunda's status as a quintessential public space for political speech must be preserved!
ACLU of RI Sues Governor McKee for Restricting State House Protest Before his January “State of the State” Address - ACLU of Rhode Island
“It is incredibly important in today’s political environment that the First Amendment rights of the people to assemble, protest, and petition the government are preserved. By filing this action, our c...
www.riaclu.org
October 28, 2025 at 1:50 PM
FILED: Last January, activists were denied access to the State House rotunda to hold a rally before the Governor's State of the State address.
Now, we’re suing the McKee admin. for violating their rights.
The rotunda's status as a quintessential public space for political speech must be preserved!
Now, we’re suing the McKee admin. for violating their rights.
The rotunda's status as a quintessential public space for political speech must be preserved!
We just filed a “friend of the court” brief, challenging the RI Attorney General's position that state officials are immune from ever being sued in federal court under one of RI’s key anti-discrimination civil rights statutes.
October 22, 2025 at 7:04 PM
We just filed a “friend of the court” brief, challenging the RI Attorney General's position that state officials are immune from ever being sued in federal court under one of RI’s key anti-discrimination civil rights statutes.
Good news! The settlement agreement in the class-action data breach lawsuit we filed against the R.I. Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and UnitedHealthcare New England was approved by the judge this morning.
This was a major data breach that affected over 18,000 state employees in 2021.
This was a major data breach that affected over 18,000 state employees in 2021.
October 22, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Good news! The settlement agreement in the class-action data breach lawsuit we filed against the R.I. Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and UnitedHealthcare New England was approved by the judge this morning.
This was a major data breach that affected over 18,000 state employees in 2021.
This was a major data breach that affected over 18,000 state employees in 2021.
Audio is an important part of police body camera footage, and we’ve been raising concerns for years about police in RI inappropriately muting themselves — and the wording of the state policy often allows it.
We'll keep advocating to close this loophole!
We'll keep advocating to close this loophole!
Can RI police mute body camera footage? It comes down to 'should' and 'shall'
Muting of body camera video in Providence is a "consistent problem," says the executive director of a Providence police oversight panel.
www.providencejournal.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Audio is an important part of police body camera footage, and we’ve been raising concerns for years about police in RI inappropriately muting themselves — and the wording of the state policy often allows it.
We'll keep advocating to close this loophole!
We'll keep advocating to close this loophole!
Did you feel a sense of community at yesterday’s protests? Join us at our Annual Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 6 to learn more about the ACLU’s work, meet other civil libertarians, and continue the momentum to protect our fundamental rights.
Tickets are $25, available below ⬇️
Tickets are $25, available below ⬇️
ACLU Foundation of RI Annual Meeting
Together, We Rise. 2025 marks the 66th anniversary of the ACLU of Rhode Island. For more than six decades, we have worked to ensure that “We the People” means all of us. This year’s Annual Meeting c...
www.ticketleap.events
October 19, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Did you feel a sense of community at yesterday’s protests? Join us at our Annual Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 6 to learn more about the ACLU’s work, meet other civil libertarians, and continue the momentum to protect our fundamental rights.
Tickets are $25, available below ⬇️
Tickets are $25, available below ⬇️
TODAY: Join one of the ten protests throughout the state and exercise your right to dissent!
This Saturday, stand up for our democracy! Join one of the 10 protests throughout RI.
Downtown PVD will be held at the State House (mall side) 1pm-3pm.
And, make sure you review your protest rights before you go ⬇️
www.riaclu.org/know-your-ri...
Downtown PVD will be held at the State House (mall side) 1pm-3pm.
And, make sure you review your protest rights before you go ⬇️
www.riaclu.org/know-your-ri...
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Protests & Demonstrations - ACLU of Rhode Island
Know your rights when it comes to protests, marches and demonstrations. See the "documents" box below for a printable version of this pamphlet. If you have additional questions or need legal assistanc...
www.riaclu.org
October 18, 2025 at 4:47 PM
TODAY: Join one of the ten protests throughout the state and exercise your right to dissent!
The PVD City Council has voted to PASS amendments to the Community-Police Relations Act, limiting how the city’s resources can be used to assist federal immigration agencies!
The Council will need to approve the ordinance a second time, but this is a major win for protecting immigrants’ rights!
The Council will need to approve the ordinance a second time, but this is a major win for protecting immigrants’ rights!
October 16, 2025 at 11:11 PM
The PVD City Council has voted to PASS amendments to the Community-Police Relations Act, limiting how the city’s resources can be used to assist federal immigration agencies!
The Council will need to approve the ordinance a second time, but this is a major win for protecting immigrants’ rights!
The Council will need to approve the ordinance a second time, but this is a major win for protecting immigrants’ rights!
GOOD NEWS: Brown University’s president has formally rejected the Trump Administration’s “compact” agreement that would have undermined academic freedom.
This is an important step to stop the cycle of demands from the administration, that threatens the autonomy of higher education institutions.
This is an important step to stop the cycle of demands from the administration, that threatens the autonomy of higher education institutions.
October 15, 2025 at 8:38 PM
GOOD NEWS: Brown University’s president has formally rejected the Trump Administration’s “compact” agreement that would have undermined academic freedom.
This is an important step to stop the cycle of demands from the administration, that threatens the autonomy of higher education institutions.
This is an important step to stop the cycle of demands from the administration, that threatens the autonomy of higher education institutions.
Reminder to Providence residents: Contact your City Councilor and urge them to SUPPORT the ordinance amending the city’s Community-Police Relations Act by Thursday, Oct. 16!
More info here: www.riaclu.org/providence-r...
More info here: www.riaclu.org/providence-r...
🚨Providence residents!
On Thursday, Oct. 16, the PVD City Council will be voting on an ordinance that would place clear limits on PVD Police assistance with immigration enforcement action, unless required by a judicial warrant.
Take 5 min. to email your council member; template & more info below ⬇️
On Thursday, Oct. 16, the PVD City Council will be voting on an ordinance that would place clear limits on PVD Police assistance with immigration enforcement action, unless required by a judicial warrant.
Take 5 min. to email your council member; template & more info below ⬇️
Providence Residents: Contact Your Council Member in Support of Immigrants’ Rights! - ACLU of Rhode Island
The Providence City Council will be voting on Thursday, October 16, to amend the city’s Community-Police Relations Act (CPRA), which would place clear limits on Providence Police assistance with immig...
www.riaclu.org
October 15, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Reminder to Providence residents: Contact your City Councilor and urge them to SUPPORT the ordinance amending the city’s Community-Police Relations Act by Thursday, Oct. 16!
More info here: www.riaclu.org/providence-r...
More info here: www.riaclu.org/providence-r...
This Saturday, stand up for our democracy! Join one of the 10 protests throughout RI.
Downtown PVD will be held at the State House (mall side) 1pm-3pm.
And, make sure you review your protest rights before you go ⬇️
www.riaclu.org/know-your-ri...
Downtown PVD will be held at the State House (mall side) 1pm-3pm.
And, make sure you review your protest rights before you go ⬇️
www.riaclu.org/know-your-ri...
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Protests & Demonstrations - ACLU of Rhode Island
Know your rights when it comes to protests, marches and demonstrations. See the "documents" box below for a printable version of this pamphlet. If you have additional questions or need legal assistanc...
www.riaclu.org
October 14, 2025 at 5:55 PM
This Saturday, stand up for our democracy! Join one of the 10 protests throughout RI.
Downtown PVD will be held at the State House (mall side) 1pm-3pm.
And, make sure you review your protest rights before you go ⬇️
www.riaclu.org/know-your-ri...
Downtown PVD will be held at the State House (mall side) 1pm-3pm.
And, make sure you review your protest rights before you go ⬇️
www.riaclu.org/know-your-ri...
We're gathering on Thursday, November 6 in Pawtucket, to celebrate courageous Rhode Islanders, and to reflect on the wins and the challenges ahead of us. Join us! www.ticketleap.events/tickets/riac...
Tickets are $25; a variety of appetizers, a drink ticket, and free parking included.
Tickets are $25; a variety of appetizers, a drink ticket, and free parking included.
October 12, 2025 at 2:31 PM
We're gathering on Thursday, November 6 in Pawtucket, to celebrate courageous Rhode Islanders, and to reflect on the wins and the challenges ahead of us. Join us! www.ticketleap.events/tickets/riac...
Tickets are $25; a variety of appetizers, a drink ticket, and free parking included.
Tickets are $25; a variety of appetizers, a drink ticket, and free parking included.
For the people, by the people: On Saturday, October 18, peaceful protests will take place across the state, and the country. Join us to stand up for democracy!
Find a protest near you at the link below. When using that link, Indivisible will know you came from us; their privacy policy applies.
Find a protest near you at the link below. When using that link, Indivisible will know you came from us; their privacy policy applies.
No Kings
As the president escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS non-violent movement continues to rise stronger. We are united once again to remind the world: America has No Kings and the power ...
www.nokings.org
October 11, 2025 at 5:51 PM
For the people, by the people: On Saturday, October 18, peaceful protests will take place across the state, and the country. Join us to stand up for democracy!
Find a protest near you at the link below. When using that link, Indivisible will know you came from us; their privacy policy applies.
Find a protest near you at the link below. When using that link, Indivisible will know you came from us; their privacy policy applies.
VICTORY: We blocked in court unlawful restrictions on fed. funding used to provide critical services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, LGBTQI+ youth, and unhoused communities!
This is a major win, as the Trump admin. continues to weaponize funding to punish inclusive service providers.
This is a major win, as the Trump admin. continues to weaponize funding to punish inclusive service providers.
Federal Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration’s Unlawful Restrictions on Health and Housing Grants - ACLU of Rhode Island
A federal judge entered an order preliminarily blocking the unlawful restrictions imposed on federal grants administered by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
www.riaclu.org
October 10, 2025 at 6:23 PM
VICTORY: We blocked in court unlawful restrictions on fed. funding used to provide critical services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, LGBTQI+ youth, and unhoused communities!
This is a major win, as the Trump admin. continues to weaponize funding to punish inclusive service providers.
This is a major win, as the Trump admin. continues to weaponize funding to punish inclusive service providers.
🚨Providence residents!
On Thursday, Oct. 16, the PVD City Council will be voting on an ordinance that would place clear limits on PVD Police assistance with immigration enforcement action, unless required by a judicial warrant.
Take 5 min. to email your council member; template & more info below ⬇️
On Thursday, Oct. 16, the PVD City Council will be voting on an ordinance that would place clear limits on PVD Police assistance with immigration enforcement action, unless required by a judicial warrant.
Take 5 min. to email your council member; template & more info below ⬇️
Providence Residents: Contact Your Council Member in Support of Immigrants’ Rights! - ACLU of Rhode Island
The Providence City Council will be voting on Thursday, October 16, to amend the city’s Community-Police Relations Act (CPRA), which would place clear limits on Providence Police assistance with immig...
www.riaclu.org
October 10, 2025 at 2:33 PM
🚨Providence residents!
On Thursday, Oct. 16, the PVD City Council will be voting on an ordinance that would place clear limits on PVD Police assistance with immigration enforcement action, unless required by a judicial warrant.
Take 5 min. to email your council member; template & more info below ⬇️
On Thursday, Oct. 16, the PVD City Council will be voting on an ordinance that would place clear limits on PVD Police assistance with immigration enforcement action, unless required by a judicial warrant.
Take 5 min. to email your council member; template & more info below ⬇️
We filed a "friend of the court" brief supporting a challenge to a federal law that makes it a crime for people to own a firearm just because they legally use marijuana.
We believe this law is clearly unfair, and note that criminalization of marijuana has long been rooted in racial discrimination.
We believe this law is clearly unfair, and note that criminalization of marijuana has long been rooted in racial discrimination.
ACLU Files Brief in Support of Gun Owners Criminally Charged for Using Medical Marijuana - ACLU of Rhode Island
"Friend of the court” brief filed supporting a challenge to a federal law that completely bars unlawful users of controlled substances – including medical marijuana, which, though legal in Rhode Islan...
www.riaclu.org
October 9, 2025 at 2:17 PM
We filed a "friend of the court" brief supporting a challenge to a federal law that makes it a crime for people to own a firearm just because they legally use marijuana.
We believe this law is clearly unfair, and note that criminalization of marijuana has long been rooted in racial discrimination.
We believe this law is clearly unfair, and note that criminalization of marijuana has long been rooted in racial discrimination.
Reposted by ACLU of Rhode Island
A few pics from last night's Banned Books Week discussion of “1984” presented by @riaclu.bsky.social and the Rhode Island Library Association at the Cranston Public Library. I read some excerpts from the book during the program.
It felt good to summon the spirit of Orwell to the U.S. in 2025.
It felt good to summon the spirit of Orwell to the U.S. in 2025.
October 7, 2025 at 11:44 AM
A few pics from last night's Banned Books Week discussion of “1984” presented by @riaclu.bsky.social and the Rhode Island Library Association at the Cranston Public Library. I read some excerpts from the book during the program.
It felt good to summon the spirit of Orwell to the U.S. in 2025.
It felt good to summon the spirit of Orwell to the U.S. in 2025.
TONIGHT: The PVD City Council is considering a draft ordinance that would strengthen the Providence Community-Police Relations Act.
This would expand the existing ordinance to better protect our immigrant community members + neighbors, reaffirming the city’s commitment to safeguarding civil rights.
This would expand the existing ordinance to better protect our immigrant community members + neighbors, reaffirming the city’s commitment to safeguarding civil rights.
October 6, 2025 at 6:49 PM
TONIGHT: The PVD City Council is considering a draft ordinance that would strengthen the Providence Community-Police Relations Act.
This would expand the existing ordinance to better protect our immigrant community members + neighbors, reaffirming the city’s commitment to safeguarding civil rights.
This would expand the existing ordinance to better protect our immigrant community members + neighbors, reaffirming the city’s commitment to safeguarding civil rights.