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ACLU of Georgia Newsletters
 
Here you will find past e-newsletters sent from the ACLU of Georgia. 
  • June 2014 newsletter  (6/13/2014)
  • On Saturday, June 7, a rally was held at the Habersham County Courthouse in to support Bounkham "Bou Bou" Phonesavanh, a 19 month old baby who was nearly killed during a recent SWAT team raid. Baby Bou Bou is in a medically induced coma and in critical condition at Egleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta.
    McRae Correctional and D. Ray James Correctional facilities in McRae and Folkston, Georgia are two of the 13 little-known CAR (Criminal Alien Requirement) prisons for immigrants in the United States. For the new report Warehoused and Forgotten: Immigrants Trapped in Our Shadow Private Prison Industry, the ACLU and the ACLU of Texas have investigated CAR prisons in Texas run by Corrections Corporation of America and the GEO Group, the same private prison companies that operate McRae and D. Ray James. The report reveals inhumane conditions and egregious mistreatment of immigrants in prisons that enrich the for-profit prison industry at tremendous costs to taxpayers.
    The ACLU Foundation of Georgia joined the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers in the Georgia State Bar building to help Georgia Girls Scouts learn about being Junior Advocates.
    Georgia's Attorney General says the state cannot enforce some provisions of a new law requiring food stamp recipients to
    submit to drug testing before receiving benefits.
  • May 2014 newsletter  (5/16/2014)
  • The ACLU's "War on Marijuana in Black & White" study shows that Gordon County, GA has one of the worst racial disparities for marijuana arrests
    in the nation.
    The ACLU sent a letter to Governor Deal, asking him to veto three bills that raise serious constitutional concerns.
    The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Georgia has sent a letter to the state's congressional delegation asking them to investigate two federal immigration detention centers in Georgia.
  • April 2014 newsletter  (4/11/2014)
  • Yesterday, the ACLU of Georgia sent a letter to Governor Nathan Deal, asking him to veto three bills that raise serious constitutional concerns.
    The University of Georgia men's basketball team must follow detailed rules when it comes to dating, as uncovered by the study, shows that Coach Mark Fox includes guidelines on sexual activities, appearances and social networking.


    At first it made sense. Colorado. Oregon. Wisconsin. But then, wait-Mississippi? Florida? Alabama? Marriage equality lawsuits have been filed now in all but five states in the nation-the final five that remain out of the game are North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Alaska and, yes, Georgia.
    Georgia lawmakers just held back a crazy bill that would have removed drivers' licenses from a group of immigrants, including women fleeing abusive relationships. Many young female DREAMers are also hugely relieved.
  • March 2014 newsletter  (3/14/2014)
  • December 2013 newsletter  (1/10/2014)
  • Officials announced Monday the North Georgia Detention Center in Gainesville will close before the end of the year. The facility is one of four federal immigration detention centers in the state.
    A South Georgia lawmaker will propose next month a bill that would allow the construction of a monument outside the Georgia Capitol featuring the 10 Commandments.
    In light of the inaction of the federal government and for-profit prison corporations in the face of documented human rights violations, the ACLU of Georgia sent letters to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Rapporteur on the Rights of People Deprived of Liberty and the Rapporteur on the Rights of Migrants, requesting a meeting to discuss immigration detention conditions in Georgia.
  • November 2013 newsletter  (11/15/2013)
  • October 2013 newsletter  (10/11/2013)
  • September 2013 newsletter  (9/13/2013)
  • August 2013 newsletter  (8/23/2013)
  • July 12 - 2013 newsletter  (7/12/2013)
  • July 12, 2013 Newsletter

    On June 26th, 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, which federally defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Now that DOMA has been ruled unconstitutional, same-sex couples that are married in their state will receive all federal marriage benefits.
    The American Civil Liberties Union is currently fighting the Georgia sheriff department for forcing inmates to remove their religion headwear. The ACLU believes that the sheriff department is violating a law that protects the religious freedom of their inmates.
    The American Civil Liberties Union is also fighting for Georgia prisoner Warren Hill’s right to live. Hill is scheduled to be executed in the next week. All professionals who have examined Warren Hill conclude that he is intellectually disabled, and according to Atkins v. Virginia, it would be unconstitutional to end the life of a mentally disabled man.
    The ACLU released a fact sheet on the recently passed bill SB 160, which, according to the ACLU, will harm immigrant communities and families.
    On June 10th, several members of the ACLU attended the GAWL Girl Scout Project at the State Bar of Georgia where they discussed how to be responsible with social media.
    A ban passed by the Board of Regents in 2010 prohibits undocumented students from attending selective Georgia research universities. However, the immigration reform bill recently passed by the U.S. Senate would change that by giving undocumented students a 13-year legal pathway to apply for U.S. citizenship.

  • June 14 - 2013 newsletter  (6/14/2013)
  • June 14, 2013 Newsletter

    Senator Johnny Isakson is defending the National Security Agency for gathering call logs from millions of Verizon phone subscribers. The American Civil Liberties Union, however, believes that the NSA has abused its power and gone too far. The ACLU has challenged in court several sections of the Patriot Act and hopes that the law will expire in 2015.
    The ACLU believes that Georgia’s ban on abortion later than 20 weeks since fertilization violates the state constitution’s right to privacy, equal protection, and due process.
    Protestors gathered in Atlanta to rally against the nation's drone strike program. They demonstrated outside a Buckhead hotel currently hosting a national conference on drone aircraft.
    A recent study shows that African Americans are arrested more often than whites for marijuana possession. The ACLU has shown that black people caught with weed are four times more likely to be incarcerated than white people caught with weed.

  • May 23 - 2013 newsletter  (5/23/2013)
  • May 23, 2013 Newsletter

    The American Civil Liberties Union has found that immigrant women in detention facilities are often victims of abuse. In the detention facilities, immigrant women face challenges to their reproductive health, hygiene, and mental stability.
    Georgia Governor Nathan Deal recently signed the Juvenile Justice Reform Bill, HB 242, into law. The new law prevents juveniles from being automatically incarcerated for acts such as skipping school or violating curfew.
    In June 2013, the ACLU is representing Edie Windsor, a lesbian who was forced to pay $360,000 in federal inheritance taxes before she could inherit the estate of her deceased wife, Thea. The discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, which federally defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, does not allow legally married gay couples from receiving federal marriage benefits. Windsor v. United States will hopefully strike down DOMA and bring equality to all legally married same-sex couples.
    In May 2013, the ACLU signed a petition to support Wilcox County High School students who were planning their first ever integrated prom.
    The ACLU would also like LGBT youth who are struggling in school to know that IT GETS BETTER!
  • May 2013 newsletter  (5/10/2013)
  • May 2013- Newsletter

    Included in this newsletter is information regarding the ACLU’s investigation of a religious service at Lumpkin County High school to decide if it is unconstitutional, for it is unconstitutional for faculty to promote particular religious views to a student body. Included as well is information about the anti-immigrant law prohibiting immigrants from using their foreign passports to prove their identities for official transactions unless the passport is accompanied by proof of legal presence. If you see children denied rights based on their parent’s status or couples denied a marriage certificate because of the status of both or one of the prospective spouses, let the ACLU know!
    In addition, the ACLU promotes the end to segregation in Georgia as well as volunteering at the ACLU as a student or as a law clerk in order to promote these rights. Information is included in the newsletter regarding how to obtain these positions and who to contact.
    Don’t miss the new show “Legally Speaking” airing Sunday, May 12th at 9:30 PM on the AIB Network! Also, The ACLU of Georgia’s National Security/Immigrants' Rights Project is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Included is information regarding their accomplishments.
  • April 2013 newsletter  (4/12/2013)
  • April 2013- Newsletter

    The ACLU of Georgia’s National Security/Immigrants' Rights Project is celebrating its fifth anniversary! Check the newsletter to find additional information on the ACLU’s accomplishments. In addition, the ACLU wishes to not amend the bill fixing the flaw in Georgia Immigration Law, because a few legislators have made last-minute changes to one of the bills, sending it in a completely different direction.
    Urge Governor Deal to Veto SB 160! Despite the ACLU’s vehement opposition SB 160 was amended to include anti-immigrant provisions. We encourage you to call Gov. Deal and ask him to veto the bill. His contact information is included in the newsletter.
    The ACLU promotes transparency, open government, disability rights and the end to segregation in Georgia. Included in the newsletter, you will find information about these topics, and the ACLU’s position.
    Included as well are events. Information is included about locations and times.
  • ACTION ALERT - April 3, 2013  (4/3/2013)
  • April 3, 2013- Action Alert

    I'm hoping you will immediately write to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and urge it to stand by its decision - contraception is basic health care and must be available in health insurance plans.

    The deadline for public comment on the current plan is right around the corner. HHS needs to hear from you and me and all Americans who support women's fundamental right to contraception.
    Please act right now by urging the Obama administration stand firm against the anti-family planning lobby's ploy to weaken the impact of this enormous step forward. Together, we can help protect the right to contraception for millions of women across the county.
    Thank you again for standing with women and families in defense of our health.

  • ACTION ALERT - March 28, 2013  (3/28/2013)
  • March 28, 2013-Action Alert

    The final day of the 2013 Georgia General Assembly is here; please continue to make your voice heard!
    Please call leadership to terminate the possibility of SB 101 being passed!
    Please call leadership and ask for the removal of all anti-immigrant provisions from SB 160!
    Please call House Speaker Ralston and ask him to oppose the Senate Amendment to HB 246!
  • ACTION ALERT - March 27, 2013  (3/27/2013)
  • March 27, 2013- Action Alert

    Continue calling the Georgia General Assembly and ask them to remove anti-immigration provisions from SB 160!
    Ask speaker Ralston to oppose the Senate Amendment to HB 246!
    Pease consider joining the ACLU of Alabama and Planned Parenthood Southeast next Tuesday, April 2nd; there will be a bus leaving from Atlanta!
    Join us April 2, for Women’s Day!
  • ACTION ALERT - March 26, 2013  (3/26/2013)
  • March 26, 2013- Action Alert

    HB 125 has been amended with the removal of the anti-immigration provisions! Although, this is a huge step, the House Judiciary has added the anti-immigration provisions to SB 160. Please continue to call leadership to help resolve this issue!
    HB 246 has been added to deny women reproductive health coverage through the state insurance plan. Please call House Speaker Ralston to help efforts to remove HB 246!
  • March 2013 newsletter  (3/15/2013)
  • March 2013 newsletter

    Legislation that is unsuccessful in passing by the House or Senate, by Crossover Day, will remain static for the year. Therefore, we must continue to fight for our top legislative priorities!
    Please welcome Jakeema Bascoe to the ACLU of Georgia!
    A letter has been sent to the Board of Regents to help efforts to lift Policy 4.1.6. The message also asks Regents to make other changes regarding federal immigration law.
    Burdens imposed by HB 87 threaten to leap into controversies pertaining to immigration. Foreign passport have been removed from the list of certifiable documents.
    Message to LGBT youth: IT GETS BETTER!
    Don’t miss our next “By the People” Lobby Days! This program provides face to face interactions with the public and legislators.
    Thursday March 28, 2013: Insights from the immigrant’s perspectives: Muslims and South Asians
  • ACTION ALERT - March 13, 2013  (3/13/2013)
  • March 13, 2013- Action Alert

    Please call your State Senator to increase efforts to fix HB 125!
  • AILA Presents Azadeh with 2012 Advocacy Award  (6/15/2012)
  • The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) awarded Azadeh Shahshahani with the 2012 Advocacy Award for her tireless work in combating the anti-immigration bills and policies in Georgia and her commitment to the human rights issues of immigrants. She received the award yesterday during AILA's Annual Conference in Nashville, TN.
  • Join us at Troy Davis/Woodruff Park  (6/7/2012)
  • Join the ACLU of Georgia, Amnesty International USA-Southern Region, International Action Center, the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), and the Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition-Atlanta, as we join with people of conscience from around the world in taking action against torture and for human rights.
    >> When: Tuesday, June 26th at 11:30am
    >> Where: Troy Davis/Woodruff Park. Gather at the corner of Auburn & Peachtree (across from Equitable building).
    >> What: Public action with petition gathering to Senator Chambliss and collecting video footage of everyday Atlantans speaking out on why Torture is Always Wrong
  • ACLU of Georgia Releases Report on Immigration Detention   (5/17/2012)
  • The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Georgia has released a comprehensive report on conditions of detention for immigrants in Georgia titled: "Prisoners of Profit: Immigrants and Detention in Georgia." The report covers the four immigration detention facilities in Georgia, which include the largest immigration detention center in the country, the Stewart Detention Center, as well as the North Georgia Detention Center, Irwin County Detention Center, and Atlanta City Detention Center. Three of the facilities are operated by corporations.
  • The ACLU of Georgia Releases Updated Frequently Asked Questions about HB 87   (5/10/2012)
  • As the first year anniversary of the signing into law of Georgia's House Bill 87 approaches, the ACLU Foundation of Georgia has released an updated version of Frequently Asked Questions about the Georgia Racial Profiling Law.
  • We Are United  (4/25/2012)
  • On the 25th of April, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Arizona's SB 1070. But we won't wait for their decision in June. We will join together now to speak up for the rights of all. "Estamos Unidos" - which means "We are United" - is a campaign organized by the American Civil Liberties Union with our allies.
    >>The ACLU Foundation of Georgia is organizing a petition drive to ask President Obama to stop anti-immigrant laws.<<
    What: Petition Drive
    When: Monday, April 30, 2012 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
    Where: Plaza Fiesta, 4166 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta 30345
  • ACTION ALERT - March 26, 2012 (2)  (3/26/2012)
  • Call your legislator and urge them to vote "YES" to HB 641, Juvenile Justice Reform
  • ACTION ALERT - March 26, 2012  (3/26/2012)
  • Call your legislator RIGHT NOW! This is the final week of the legislative session and the following bills will be voted on TODAY:
    >>HB 954
    >>SB 292
    >>SB 312
  • ACTION ALERT - March 21, 2012  (3/21/2012)
  • Call your legislator!!! The following bills are on the fast track to becoming laws:
    >> SB 292: Requirement to Drug Test Applicants for Temporary Assistance
    >> HB 954: Abortion Ban at 20 Weeks After Conception
    >> SB 458: Ban on Public higher Education, Denying Immigrants Access to Water/Sewage Services and Right to marry.
    >> SB 312: Requirement to participate in "Personal Growth Activities" in Exchange for Food Stamps and Temporary Assistance.
  • ACLU of Georgia, in Coalition with other Organizations Opposing HB 954, Urges Po  (3/19/2012)
  • The Senate Health and Human Services Committee is scheduled to hear debate on HB 954 today at 2:30 in room 450 of the Capitol. This meeting looks to be moving forward, even after a doctor revealed to the Atlanta Journal Constitution that he has been "advised not to speak publicly out of fear for his personal safety and threats of economic boycott" and the Georgia OB-GYN Society office was burglarized on Saturday.
  • ACTION ALERT - March 18, 2012  (3/18/2012)
  • The following anti-choice bills have passed either the House or the Senate this session:
    >> HB 954: seeks to ban all abortions beginning at 20 weeks after conception except to "avert the death of the pregnant woman or avert serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman." No other exceptions are provided.
    >> SB 438: forbids state employees from obtaining abortion coverage through the state insurance plan with the same insufficient exception from HB 954.
    >> SB 460: allows religious employers to opt-out of a state law which requires that all insurance companies provide coverage for contraception.
  • Upcoming Event  (3/15/2012)
  • 2012 Asian Pacific American Civil Rights convening in the South will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 Saturday March 17 at The King Center. Azadeh Shahshahani will be presenting on the panel Racism and National Security After 9/11.
  • Walk In My Shoes - Hear Our Voice Event  (3/9/2012)
  • Walk in My Shoes, Hear Our Voice is a peaceful, non-permitted single file walk by hundreds of concerned Georgians on the sidewalk around the Gold Dome with "body-sized" signs to ensure clear ingress and egress. The event will be held Monday March 12th 20120 from 11:30 am to 1pm.
  • ACTION ALERT - March 5, 2012  (3/5/2012)
  • SB 458, the bill that would ban undocumented students from public higher education regardless of their academic credentials, and also amend HB 87 in some ways, will be taken up on the Senate floor today or later this week.
  • ACTION ALERT - February 28, 2012  (2/28/2012)
  • We hope that you will contact your representative and urge them to vote "NO" to HB 954, a bill that would ban all abortions at 20 weeks after conception unless the abortion is necessary to "avert the death of the pregnant woman or avert serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function...." There are no exceptions for the mental health of the woman, with no exceptions allowed in cases of rape or incest.
  • ACTION ALERT - February 22, 2012  (2/22/2012)
  • We hope that you will contact your representative and urge them to vote "NO" to SB 458, a bill that would ban undocumented students from public higher education regardless of their academic credentials
  • ACTION ALERT - February 15, 2012  (2/15/2012)
  • There will be a hearing to discuss HB 954 Thursday, February 16, at 1 pm, Room 506 in the Coverdell Legislative Office Building across the street from the Capitol.
    The bill seeks to overturn Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992).
    We hope that you will take a few minutes to contact your State Representative and State Senator to ask them to vote NO on HB 954.
  • By The People - February 7, 2012  (2/4/2012)
  • We would like to invite all of you to join us at our next "By the People Day" program. We will meet next Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 9 am in Room 605 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. The event will focus on LGBT rights, and we will be joined by Georgia Equality to promote the passage of HB 630.
  • February 2012 newsletter  (2/3/2012)
  • The February 2012 newsletter is published including:
    >> Meet the ACLU of Georgia Legislative Team
    >> ALCU of Georgia "By The People" Education Lobby Day
    >> A Call to Action: Atlanta Community Meets to Discuss Death Penalty Reform
    >> Prison issues Roundtable Summit
    >> Help End the Shackling of Incarcerated Pregnant Women!
    >> January 31st Immigrants' Rights Lobby Day + Photos from Immigrant's Rights Lobby Day
    >> Upcoming Events
  • By The People - January 31, 2012  (1/28/2012)
  • We would like to invite all of you to join us at our next "By the People Day" program. We will meet next Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 9 am in Room 605 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, 18 Capitol Square Southwest, Atlanta, GA 30334, located across the street from the south end of the State Capitol. At this "By The People" Lobby Day, we will be focusing on immigrants' rights issues, including House Bill 59. HB 59, "Destroying the Dreams" Bill is fundamentally unjust and economically shortsighted.
  • ROOM CHANGE TOMORROW! PLEASE NOTE By The People - January 24, 2012  (1/23/2012)
  • The January 24th "By the People" Day will be held in Room 515 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building
  • By The People - January 24, 2012  (1/20/2012)
  • We would like to invite all of you to join us at our next "By the People Day" program. We will meet next Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 9 am in Room 605 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, 18 Capitol Square Southwest, Atlanta, GA 30334, located across the street from the south end of the State Capitol.
  • Doctors of the Dark Side - reminder  (1/20/2012)
  • There will be a screening of "Doctors of the Dark Side" at the PushPush theater Tuesday January 24th 2012 at 7pm
  • Doctors of the Dark Side  (1/14/2012)
  • There will be a screening of "Doctors of the Dark Side" at the PushPush theater Tuesday January 24th 2012 at 7pm
  • Liberty Watch 2012  (1/13/2012)
  • While other people will focus on flip-flopping and political maneuvering, ACLU Liberty Watch is the one and only initiative solely focused on how candidates of all parties discuss the Constitution and the fundamental laws and liberties of our country.
    Join ACLU Liberty Watch 2012 today by following us on Twitter and Facebook.
  • By The People - January 17, 2012  (1/11/2012)
  • We would like to invite all of you to join us for a special By the People Day program. We will be offering a more in-depth lobby training program and you will be able to receive one-on-one training on how to effectively engage your legislators. We will also offer a complete tour of the Capitol so if you have never visited the Capitol before this will be a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Capitol and the legislative process.
  • By The People - January 10, 2012  (1/8/2012)
  • We would like to invite you to our first "By the People Lobby Day" of the 2012 legislative session. At Lobby Day, our staff and dedicated volunteers will give you advice on how to talk to legislators, discuss any bills that impact your civil liberties and guide you on how you can best help pass or stop legislation. We will even walk you over to the State Capitol and assist you as you meet with your legislators.
  • Human Rights Week  (12/7/2011)
  • The Southern Anti-Racism network Celebrates Human Rights Week by hosting a Forum for Human Rights, Race and Immigration on Thursday December 8th 2011 6-8pm at the Columbus Public Library.
  • Tests violate recipients' rights  (11/18/2011)
  • In Georgia, any proposed legislation that would require drug testing for applicants for state-funded benefits would violate their Fourth Amendment rights. Being poor and in need in this country does not mean you forfeit your constitutional rights.
  • Better This World event  (11/6/2011)
  • A screening of "Better This World" will be held at the Auburn Ave. Research library on Wednesday Novermber 9th 2011 at 6pm.
  • 2011 Annual Meeting - Save the Date  (11/5/2011)
  • Civil Liberties in the 21st Century: How the Past Informs the Future.Saturday, November 12 2011 at 10:00am
  • FOIA - fbi  (10/25/2011)
  • Documents obtained by the ACLU reveal that the government is linking various criminal behaviors to certain racial and ethnic groups in Georgia.
  • Athens kyr event  (10/21/2011)
  • Tell your story/Know your rights forum
  • By The People - February 1, 2011  (1/31/2011)
  • The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU of Georgia), for the seventh year, is offering lobby training to individuals and other progressive groups each Tuesday during the legislative session. Training will include:

    >> How to talk to legislators
    >> What are the "hot" issues and why you should care
    >> How best to help push or stop legislation
    >> Legislative updates given by progressive organizations such as Georgia Rural Urban Summit (GRUS)
    >> A Walking tour of the Capitol's lobbying area and introduction to the legislative process
    >> Assistance in meeting your senator and representative
  • Upcoming Events  (1/24/2011)
  • The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU of Georgia), for the seventh year, is offering lobby training to individuals and other progressive groups each Tuesday during the legislative session. This coming Tuesday, special focus will be on legislation that will impact immigrant and refugee communities in our state.
  • Upcoming Events - "The Oath"  (1/18/2011)
  • "The Oath," a spectacularly gripping documentary that unspools like a great political thriller, will be screened at the PushPush Theater in Decatur, GA January 20th at 7:30pm.
  • Immigration Fact Sheet  (1/12/2011)
  • The ACLU of Georgia and Georgia Detention Watch recently released a fact sheet on immigration detention titled: "Securely Insecure: The Real Costs, Consequences & Human Face of Immigration Detention." Please feel free to circulate and make use of the fact sheet for educational and advocacy purposes.
  • Georgia Prison December Insider  (12/21/2010)
  • As a result of a recent prison strike the ACLU of Georgia has sent a fact-finding team to investigate conditions in GA DOC prisons.
  • Valentine case  (12/14/2010)
  • The ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of Lisa Valentine, a Muslim woman forced to remove her head covering in compliance with a "no headgear" policy in Douglasville Municipal Court.
  • Upcoming Events  (11/30/2010)
  • >> This Thursday, Dec. 2, @7pm, Join us for a "Know Your Rights," info. sharing session at American Friends Service Committee Building, 60 Walton St, 2nd floor.
    >> Please join ACLU of Georgia, Human Rights Atlanta, and other groups for an afternoon of education, advocacy, and celebration of human rights at 3pm on Saturday Dec. 4th in the American Friends Service Committee!
  • A win for due process in the Supreme Court of Georgia.  (11/22/2010)
  • The Supreme Court of Georgia ruled today that defendants with limited English proficiency (LEP) have a constitutional right to court interpreters in criminal trials. The ruling came in a case in which the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Georgia and Legal Aid Society - Employment Law Center (LAS-ELC) filed a friend-of-the-court brief asserting that denying LEP defendants interpreters violates the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws.
  • School to Prison Pipeline Forum in Dalton Saturday  (11/5/2010)
  • >> Dismantling the School to Prison Pipeline Symposium Series will be held Nov. 6th 2010 in room 105 of the James E. Brown Center of Dalton State College.
    >> There will be a screening of 9500 Liberty at 7pm. Tuesday Nov. 9th at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta.
    >> Panel Discussion on the 14th Amendment will be held at the Columbus public Library on Monday Nov. 8th 2010 at 6:30pm
  • National Call-In Day for the Democracy Restoration Act - Insider Report  (10/31/2010)
  • On Monday, November 1, 2010, the day before Election Day, people across the country wil urge the passage of the Democracy Restoration Act (S.1516 and H.R.3335) by calling their Members of Congress to ask them to support passage of the bill. We hope that you will join us in making these critical calls.
  • October 2010 Newsletter  (10/15/2010)
  • The October 2010 newsletter has been published including:
    >> 2010 Bill of Rights Luncheon
    >> ACLU of Georgia Issues Letter to Board of Regents
    >> In for a Penny: The Rise of America's New Debtors' Prisons
    >> ACLU of Georgia Raises Rights' Awareness at the Festival of India
    >> TSA Clearance a cloudy process
  • U.S. Citizen Deported - Insider Report  (10/14/2010)
  • A report has just been released detailing the story of Mark Lyttle, a U.S. citizen of Puerto Rican descent with mental disabilities who was wrongfully deported to Mexico and forced to endure over four months of living on the streets and in the shelters and prisons of Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala.
  • In for a Penny - Insider Report  (10/5/2010)
  • Yesterday, the National Prison Project and the Racial Justice Program released the report In for a Penny: The Rise of America's New Debtors' Prisons. This report presents the results of a yearlong investigation into modern-day "debtors' prisons" in Georgia, Louisiana, Ohio, Michigan and Washington, and shows that poor defendants in these states are being jailed at increasingly alarming rates for failing to pay legal debts they can never hope to afford.
  • 100 Stories in 100 Days - October 9, 2010  (10/5/2010)
  • Dismantling the School to Prison Pipeline Symposium Series will be held October 9th at 9am at Big Bethel AME Church. The event will shed light on a disturbing national trend in which students are
    funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Most of these kids
    are children of color, and many have learning disabilities or histories of poverty, abuse or neglect, and would benefit from additional educational and counseling services. Instead they are punished and isolated.
  • 2010 ACLU of Georgia Annual Conference  (9/27/2010)
  • The ACLU of Georgia will hold its 2010 Annual Membership Conference 10:00 am Saturday October 2nd at the State Bar of Georgia.
  • 100 Stories in 100 Days  (9/22/2010)
  • Our School to Prison Pipeline Campaign, 100 Stories in 100 Days, begins at our Annual Meeting on October 2nd. Along with our coalition partners, we will be visiting five Georgia cities: Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, Valdosta, and Dalton to hear from students, parents, educators, community leaders, and elected officials. We are collecting stories that tell how the School to Prison Pipeline impacts students, families, and communities.
  • September Films notice  (9/14/2010)
  • In the upcoming weeks, the ACLU of Georgia in partnership with community groups and law schools will be coordinating three screenings of the film "Americans on Hold: Profiling, Prejudice, and National Security," produced by the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (CHRGJ) at NYU School of Law.
  • 2010 Bill of Rights Luncheon  (9/10/2010)
  • Join the ACLU of Georgia as we celebrate and honor those who are voices for justice! Friday October 1st 2010 at 11:30pm at the W Atlanta Midtown Hotel
  • August - Testify! Project  (8/17/2010)
  • The Testify Project collects stories of injustice from throughout the United States through one-minute video and one-page written testimony. The top videos and stories will be screened for United Nations delegates in Geneva, Switzerland in preparation for the United States' Universal Periodic Review.
  • Press Release 7-27-2010  (7/27/2010)
  • ACLU of Georgia seeks records about FBI collection of racial and ethnic data. Power to track and map "Behaviors" and "Lifestyle Characteristics" of American communities raises alarm.
  • July 2010 newsletter  (7/21/2010)
  • July 2010 newsletter published including:
    >> Azedeh Shanshahani's Op-Ed on torture Accountability: "Time to Reckon with Torture."
    >> ACLU of Georgia Joins Coalition against Georgia's Challenge to the Voting Rights Act
    >> ACLU Travels to Detroit for U.S. Social Forum
    >> Fight United States Injustice Through Video
    >> Law Clerks bond over Braves game
  • Seeking Applicants  (7/3/2010)
  • The ACLU Foundation of Georgia is pleased to announce it is seeking its next Director of Development. This senior management position is responsible for creating, planning and executing the affiliate's major gifts program and for leading the progression and expansion of the ACLU of Georgia's fund development strategies. Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Director, the successful candidate will have the deeply rewarding experience of taking the affiliate from a modest development program to one that fully sustains the organization.
  • Travel Alert  (7/1/2010)
  • As the Holiday weekend approaches, ACLU of GA issues an alert to state residents traveling to Arizona that recent racial profiling laws present a severe threat to civil liberties.
    "Residents of Georgia should be aware that under this law, people who look 'foreign' are more likely to be stopped for minor infractions like having a broken taillight or jaywalking and then asked for their 'papers' if police believe, just by looking at them, that they could be in the country unlawfully," says Debbie Seagraves, Executive Director of the ACLU of GA.
  • Supreme Court Update - June 28, 2010  (6/29/2010)
  • Supreme Court Upholds University Non-Discrimination Policy stating that Schools may require that groups comply with Non-Discrimination Policies to receive public funding and official recognition.
  • Reckoning With Torture Event  (6/18/2010)
  • Memorials and Testimonials from the "War on Terror" will be read at Kavarna (707 East Lake Dr. Decatur, GA 30030) on Tuesday June 29th at 7pm.
    It is important to hold lawmakers accountable for the torture and abuse of detainees in U.S. prisons.
  • June 7, 2010 Press Release  (6/8/2010)
  • Defendants With Limited English Proficiency Have A Constitutional Right To Court Interpreters, Says ACLU. The ACLU of GA filed and amicus brief with the GA Supreme Court in the case of Ling v. Georgia. "We don't have two systems of justice in this country - one for English-speakers and another for everyone else," said Azadeh Shahshahani, Director of the National Security/Immigrants' Rights Project at the ACLU of Georgia. "The constitutional guarantees of due process and equal protection apply to everyone in this country, not just to fluent English speakers."
  • ACTION ALERT- By The People - April 22  (4/26/2010)
  • 2 days remaining in the 2012 session of the Georgia General Assembly. It's not too late to contact your elected officials on the issues that are most important to you.

    >> SUPPORT: SB 299, Zero Tolerance reform

    >> OPPOSE: SB 67, English-only Driver's License Test legislation would impact U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents who may not feel comfortable with a written driver's exam administered in English. By discriminating against those with limited English proficiency, this bill could be found in violation of the regulations issued pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
  • By The People - April 12  (4/13/2010)
  • "By The People" Immigration Lobby Day
    Each week, we will provide you with the tools you need to hold lawmakers accountable. We will provide training on how to communicate with legislators, update you on pending legislation, and explain why we care about these issues. We will then walk over to the Capitol and meet with legislators on priority legislation.
  • April 2010 Newsletter  (4/7/2010)
  • April 2012 newsletter published including:
    >> School to Prison Pipeline Forum
    >> Too many African-Americans pushed out of schools, activists say
    >> Time to Put an End to Racial Profiling in Georgia
    >> Racial Profiling in Georgia: A microcosm of what's happening all over the U.S.
    >> "By The People" Lobby Days
  • By The People - March 10  (3/6/2010)
  • Join us for "By The People" Education Lobby Day, March 10th at 9:00am in room 318 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan will speak.
  • ALERT - By The People - February 18  (2/18/2010)
  • Call Georgia legislators to say "NO" to HR 1400, a measure aimed at keeping Gitmo open.
    Thursday February 18 at 11am in Room 406 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building.
  • February newsletter  (2/13/2010)
  • February 2010 Newsletter published including:
    >> Using International Human Rights Law in Public Interest litigation and Advocacy
    >> Blocking Faith, Freezing Charity: Chilling Muslim Charitable Giving in the "War on Terrorism Financing"
    >> "By The People" Lobby Days
    >> Military Must Back Off its Recruitment of Teens
    >> Lawmakers seek to Ban Racial Profiling
  • By The People - January 13  (1/11/2010)
  • At each Wednesday session, we will teach you how to talk to legislators, tell you about the issues that are hot, explain why we care about the issues, and guide you on how you can best help to pass or stop legislation. We will even walk you over to the Capitol, give you a tour, and assist you as you meet with your senators and representatives.
  • Attend the ACLU of Georgia Membership Meeting  (12/2/2009)
  • >> Welcome by Melanie Eyre, ACLU of Georgia President
    >> Round Table Discussion with ACLU of Georgia Clients
    >> Film: The Response
    >> Discussion and Call to Action
  • November newsletter  (11/16/2009)
  • >> Human Rights Report on Racial Profiling in Cobb County
    >> ICE Urged to Reform Immigrant Detention To Promote Human Dignity
    >> Meet The ACLU of Georgia Family: Jack and Yvonne Cohen
  • Cobb County Racial Profiling Forum  (9/24/2009)
  • Know Your Rights/Tell Your Story Forum
  • September 4 newsletter  (10/2/2009)
  • >> Upcoming Bill of Rights Luncheon
    >> Banned Books Week
    >> ACLU Challenges Illegal Voter Disfranchisement
    >> Facebook: Will We Have Control Over Our Own Information?
    >> Meet the ACLU of Georgia Family - Ellen Spears
  • 2009 Bill of Rights Luncheon  (9/24/2009)
  • Information about the Bill of Rights Luncheon
  • Voice - Newsletter August 1, 2009  (7/31/2009)
  • >> ACLU and ABLE announce a Racial Profiling Forum in Gwinnett County, the beginning of a campaign whose ultimate goal is to pass anti-racial profiling legislation in the Georgia Legislature.
    >> Georgia Judicial Council Adopts Policy Drafted by the ACLU of Georgia Allowing for Religious Head Coverings
    >> The Atlanta Independent School System severed its contract with Community Education Partners, Inc. but remains the defendant in a lawsuit filed by the ACLU for the alternative school’s poor performance.
    >> Reflections on Immigration and Human Rights Town Hall
    >> The Dignity in Schools conference brings the ACLU together with other organizations and individuals to discuss human rights in the education system.
    >> The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed on August 6th, 44 years ago.
  • ACLU of Georgia July 2009 - Newsletter  (7/7/2009)
  • >> Mike Farrell, one of America’s leading civil rights activists as well as former M*A*S*H cast member, will be in Atlanta October 8, 2009 at the ACLU's Bill of Rights Luncheon.
    >> The ACLU of Georgia Participates in Human Rights and Immigration Symposium
    >> ACLU Summer intern, Nureen Gulamali, attends the Stonewall 40 film screening and the LGBT rally the following day.
    >> Azadeh Shahshahani’s account of the country’s failure to uphold religious freedom.
    >> Getting to know an intern couple at the ACLU of Georgia.
    >> Private prisons for immigrants lack accountability and oversight.
  • Voice - Newsletter - Summer 2009  (6/9/2009)
  • >> The ACLU finds the stories of immigrants held in detention centers and their often prolonged stays.
    >> “By The People Day” lobbyist training event focuses on racial justice, voting rights, the death penalty, and immigrants' rights.
    >> Spotlight: Azadeh Shahshahani, the ACLU of Georgia National Security/Immigrants' Rights Project Director
    >> Community members and the ACLU aim to block proposed military education for teenagers in DeKalb County.
The ACLU of Georgia comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, and the ACLU Foundation of Georgia.  
 
The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia and the ACLU Foundation of Georgia are statewide organizations with the same overall mission, and share office space and employees. 
 
The ACLU of Georgia UNION is one of 52 affiliates and has more than 6,000 card-carrying members and donors.
 
The ACLU of Georgia FOUNDATION is a national non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving and defending the principles embodied in the Bill of Rights. While the ACLU is often perceived as one large organization, it is actually a network of state affiliates associated with a national office.

Mission
The purpose of this Association shall be to advance the cause of civil liberties in Georgia, with emphasis on the rights of free speech, free press, free assembly, freedom of religion, due process of law and to take all legitimate action in the furtherance of such purposes without political partisanship.

ACLU of Georgia
1900 The Exchange
Atlanta, Georgia 30339


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