News & Commentary

Right now, we are living in unprecedented times. It would be easy to give into fear and helplessness, not to mention go a little stir crazy. But a great way to battle the uncertainty – and cabin fever -- is to get involved in the fight for civil liberties, even while you’re stuck inside.

We are living in unprecedented times. We know things feel scary. We want to reassure you that the ACLU-MN’s work to safeguard civil liberties goes on – and we’re working harder than ever – even though where we’re doing it has changed.

At this unprecedented moment in our history, the ground can feel like it’s shifting nearly every minute. Our nation is facing a serious public health crisis, and it’s important that we do what we can to take care of ourselves and each other.

Jen was arrested for drug possession. She was sentenced to a year in county jail and 40 years of probation. Because Minnesota law bars people on felony probation or supervision from voting, that means Jen won't be eligible to vote until she is in her seventies.

Minnesota law allows a driver’s license to be suspended if someone fails to pay a fine for a traffic violation or fails to appear in court in response to a ticket. These excessive fines and fees are hurting everyday Minnesotans, who just want to get to work and care for their families.

We are pleased to announce sponsorship opportunities for the 2020 ACLU of Minnesota Liberty Awards — an event honoring members of the legal community, our coalition partners and members of the community who are invested in the fight for civil liberties for all.

As the Minnesota DFL considers whether to introduce a proposal to legalize recreational cannabis, they are hoping to succeed where some other states have failed by passing legislation both legalizes cannabis and narrows racial disparities in enforcement.

A Minnesota district court judge ruled Thursday that Nobles County’s policy of holding immigrants in jail for ICE after the Sheriff was supposed to release them violates the law.

Tierre Caldwell grew up with his mom bringing him to the polling station, his feet peeking out from under the polling booth. He planned on doing the same for his children someday.