American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey
The work of the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU-MN) historically falls into two categories within our three program areas. The majority of our work comes when civil liberties issues are thrust upon us. This work arises because someone's civil liberties have been wronged, and we must rush to protect them and limit the spread of actual violations. Some of our work, however, is self-initiated. We actively seek out potential violations of civil liberties in an effort to prevent them from ever occurring.
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Criminal JusticeThe Bill of Rights protects us against suspicionless searches and seizures. It guarantees due process to individuals who are accused of crimes and humane treatment to those who are incarcerated. Through litigation and legislative efforts, the ACLU-MN works to ensure that our criminal justice system upholds these constitutional protections. |
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Racial JusticeThe ACLU-MN is committed to combating racism of all forms. Our advocacy in this area includes litigation, community organizing and training, legislative initiatives, and public education. The most important step the ACLU-MN has taken to address the wrongs done to people of color in our communities is to establish the Greater Minnesota Racial Justice Projects, which provide public education on issues of racial justice through community outreach, complaint intake and court monitoring. |
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Voting RightsVoting is more than a civic duty — it's a vital part of a democratic society. Voting laws and practices that thwart an individual's ability to vote weaken our democracy. The ACLU-MN works to protect every citizen's right to vote. |
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Free Speech & ExpressionThe right to express yourself regardless of the popularity of your views is fundamental to a free and democratic society. The ACLU recognizes that if one person can be silenced, all of us are at risk. Throughout its history, the ACLU-MN has challenged officials who seek to restrict this basic right. |
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LGBT RightsThe Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law. As such, every person deserves the same legal rights and protections, no matter their sexual orientation. The ACLU-MN works to promote equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals both in the text of the law and in practice. |
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Immigrant RightsThe Constitution guarantees basic rights and freedoms to all people in America, not just U.S. citizens. Advocating fair treatment for non-citizens has been an important part of the ACLU's work since its founding in 1920, when it opposed the summary arrest and deportation of Eastern European immigrants during the Palmer Raids. Since then, the ACLU has been one of the nation's leading advocates for the rights of immigrants, refugees and non-citizens, challenging unconstitutional laws and practices, countering the myths upon which many of these laws are based. The Greater Minnesota Racial Justice Project in Mankato focuses on the legal rights of immigrants. |
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Police PracticesThe Bill of Rights protects us against suspicionless searches and seizures. It guarantees due process to individuals who are accused of crimes and humane treatment to those who are incarcerated. But all too often, the rights of those involved in the criminal justice system are compromised or ignored. The ACLU-MN works to reform the criminal justice system and make the promise of fair treatment a reality for all people. Through litigation and legislative efforts, the ACLU-MN works to ensure that our criminal justice system upholds these constitutional protections. |
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Prisoner RightsThe population in American prisons and jails has tripled in the past 15 years. Prison facilities are overcrowded; medical systems overwhelmed; work, education, and treatment programs are inadequate; and prisoner idleness and stress lead to greater levels of violence. The ACLU-MN has fought and continues to fight these conditions through successful litigation on behalf of prisoners. |
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Privacy & TechnologyThe Constitution protects our freedom from government intrusion into our personal space and lives. Individuals, not government, determine the course of their lives. The ACLU-MN protects that right by fighting in court and pushing for policies that ensure our privacy remains intact. The ACLU-MN actively promotes responsible uses of technology that enhance privacy and freedom, while opposing those that undermine our freedoms and move us closer to a society dominated by surveillance. |
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Religion and BeliefAll Americans have the right to practice, or not practice, the religion of their choice free from government interference or endorsement. The ACLU works to safeguard individuals' right to worship as they choose and to maintain the separation of religion and government as an essential bulwark of religious freedom. |
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Reproductive FreedomThe constitutional right to privacy protects the right of individuals to make decisions about whether and when to become a parent. This includes the right to choose to have an abortion as well as the right to access contraception. The ACLU seeks to maintain these rights and opposes efforts to erode them with government-imposed restrictions. |
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Student & Youth RightsThe future of liberty relies on young people who will carry on the torch of civil rights. Though youths do not always have the full rights of adults, they still enjoy fundamental constitutional guarantees. The ACLU continues to challenge limits on these rights, including the freedoms of speech, assembly and protection from unreasonable search. The ACLU-MN also works with energetic young activists to foster the future of freedom. |
Additional IssuesThe ACLU's mission is to preserve and defend the principles of civil liberties enshrined in the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the United States Constitution. With an ever changing government and society, contemporary issues surrounding parenting, housing, education, health care, criminal justice policy, disability rights, women's rights, HIV/AIDS, and more all involve these basic American liberties. |
Greater Minnesota Racial Justice Projects
The ACLU-MN has two offices that focus on Racial Justice, one in Bemidji and one in Mankato, learn more about what they do and how you can be involved!
