CLEVELAND- On February 2, 2012, Governor John Kasich signed House Bill 116, also known as the Jessica Logan Act, into law. The bill requires anti-bullying policies be extended to school buses, staff obtain training to prevent bullying, and parents receive annual notification of the bullying policy. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio welcomes the long overdue changes, but calls for additional protections on the state and federal level.

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COLUMBUS - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio will testify today before the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee opposing Senate Bill 268. The legislation will expand the government's ability to take DNA samples from felony arrestees by allowing the state retroactively to seize genetic information from past arrestees and those charged with a felony but not arrested. In 2009, the Ohio General Assembly passed SB 77, which allowed the state to obtain DNA samples from those arrested on felony charges.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider the state of Ohio’s appeal against Joe D’Ambrosio, who spent 21 years incarcerated for a murder he maintains he did not commit. The Court’s ruling officially exonerates Mr. D’Ambrosio, making him the sixth Ohioan and 140th person nationwide released from death row. Previously, a federal district court judge and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Mr. D’Ambrosio must be released after widespread prosecutorial misconduct was uncovered.

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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today urging officials in Cuyahoga Falls to expand the types of families who may receive discounted passes at the city-owned natatorium.

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CLEVELAND - The Sentencing Project, a criminal justice reform organization based in Washington D.C., has released a new report entitled Too Good to be True: Private Prisons in America. The report details the history of private prisons in America and comes to many of the same conclusions as the 2011 ACLU of Ohio report, Prisons For Profit: A Look at Prison Privatization.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS – On the 220th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791, the ACLU of Ohio, Children’s Law Center, and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender released an updated report card on the state’s progress to reform the juvenile justice system. The report found the state continues to fail its children by permitting them to be routinely shackled, refusing to ensure that children accused of crimes are represented by attorneys, and by not collecting adequate data to measure ongoing problems and successes within the system.

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CLEVELAND - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson to once again veto legislation that would restrict people’s First Amendment rights on social media. On December 5, Cleveland City Council passed a trio of ordinances that would effectively criminalize residents who use social media to organize events that result in disturbances — even if the organizer did not intend nor urge criminal activity. In August 2011, Mayor Jackson used his first-ever veto to thwart similar legislation that would criminalize the use of social media.

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COLUMBUS - Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio vowed to challenge two bills that would severely limit women’s ability to make important pregnancy decisions. Senate committees will hear testimony on House Bill 79 and House Bill 125 over the next two days, and both bills are expected to be passed before the legislature recesses. H.B. 79 would prohibit health plans in the insurance exchange created by the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from providing abortion coverage. H.B. 125 would prohibit abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected. This is often so early into a pregnancy, that it would be tantamount to outlawing almost all abortions.

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COLUMBUS - Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged Franklin County Commissioners and Sheriff Zach Scott to scrap a proposal to charge inmates at the county jail with booking fees. Under the proposal, inmates will be charged a $40 booking fee that will be taken out of their commissary funds.

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DAYTON – The ACLU of Ohio has delivered a letter to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, laying out numerous problems with the county’s proposed Courthouse Square speech regulations.

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TOLEDO, OH- Following up on complaints from the Occupy Toledo movement about unclear city permit rules, The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio has delivered a letter to the Toledo law director. The letter calls on the city to clearly define when permits are required for public demonstrations, how to apply for those permits and the criteria the city uses to approve or deny requests. The letter also criticizes Toledo City Council’s decision to ban all signs from their chambers, and challenges the city to show more respect for the First Amendment.

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LUCASVILLE, OH - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio renewed its call for state officials to halt all executions while a commission created by the Ohio Supreme Court reviews the death penalty system. The state executed Reginald Brooks today, who was the first person to be executed in nearly six months after a federal judge questioned the state’s lethal injection protocols. The death penalty commission met for the first time in October 2011, and will examine issues of fairness, due process, and racial disparity within the state’s death penalty system.

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CHILLICOTHE, OH - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio announced at a press conference today that it would represent the family of a Unioto High School student who was assaulted because of his sexual orientation. The assault occurred on October 17, 2011 at the school, and was recorded by another student. The victim, Zach, suffered physical injuries as a result of the severe beating. In the days following the attack, the video of the incident was posted online, and sparked nationwide outrage at the treatment Zach faced because of his sexual orientation.

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CINCINNATI- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio announced that a settlement was reached between Whistleblower publisher James Jay Schifrin, and local attorney, radio host, author, and restaurateur Eric Deters. In late August 2010, Schifrin was sued by Deters alleging that Schifrin libeled him in an article in the satirical Whistleblower. The ACLU of Ohio agreed to represent Schifrin in November 2010 on the basis that Deters’ lawsuit was filed to suppress Schifrin’s First Amendment rights. As part of the settlement, Schifrin agreed to publish the facts of the case in an upcoming edition of the Whistleblower and to publish a response from Deters in that edition.

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CLEVELAND - Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio announced that it would support the referendum on Ohio House Bill 194, which drastically limits the time frame for early and mail in voting, makes it optional for poll workers to assist voters, and prevents county boards of elections from widely promoting absentee ballots to registered voters. Groups such as the League of Women Voters Ohio, state legislators, labor unions, and other voting rights advocates have begun to collect 231,000 signatures to place the bill on the November 2012 ballot.

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CLEVELAND - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio renewed its concerns over the state’s plan to sell and privatize state prisons. Today, officials with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections announced that they would only sell one facility, privatize two others, and regain state control over one privately operated prison. The ODRC stated it would not sell all five prisons because the bids were not economically beneficial for taxpayers.

“These changes are nothing more than a band-aid for the deep-seated problems that continue to plague our state,” said ACLU of Ohio Policy Director Shakyra Diaz. “The root problem in Ohio’s prison system is that far too many people are being incarcerated. Privatization does nothing to address it, and may actually make it worse by allowing companies to make a profit off imprisoning people.”

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CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on state officials today to reverse policies that prevent counties from sending unsolicited absentee ballot applications to registered voters. Legislators and Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted have sought to prohibit Boards of Elections from mailing unsolicited forms to registered voters, which may lead to less people voting by mail.

“State officials have begun a ‘Race to the Bottom’ in the name of uniformity,” said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link. “While officials are correct to desire universal standards in all counties, they have taken our elections system in the wrong direction. Equal access to the ballot should not be achieved by making voting harder for some, it should be accomplished by expanding good practices to all Ohioans. It is particularly disappointing that Secretary Husted has opted to stop a practice that should be expanded for the greater good of all Ohioans.”

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SPRINGBORO, OH - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today to Springboro Community City School District officials urging them to reject plans to allow creationism to be taught in public school or risk costly litigation. Recently, members of the district’s Board of Education requested officials explore ways to integrate creationism into the school’s curriculum. Over the past several decades, the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts have consistently found that teaching creationism, intelligent design, or other religious-based ideologies unfairly promote one belief system over others.

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CLEVELAND - Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson has vetoed legislation passed by city council that would have criminalized the use of social media. After the ordinance was passed, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio expressed concern over the constitutionality of the law, particularly its effect on residents’ free speech.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to Cleveland City Council President Martin J. Sweeney expressing serious concern over a new law that would criminalize the use of social media. On July 20, 2011 city council passed an ordinance that prohibits the use of social media that may lead to illegal activity. The law does not clarify what technology qualifies as social media, nor does it define what type of postings may be considered illegal.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent Cleveland Heights Mayor Edward J. Kelley a letter today expressing concern over a portion of the city’s recently enacted curfew that may violate the First Amendment rights of young people. The provision requires youth to inform the police chief 24 hours before exercising their free speech rights in the Coventry Road and Cedar-Lee neighborhoods. Various courts have previously held that First Amendment rights cannot be subject to prior approval by local officials.

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COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio was pleased that legislators passed legislation that would begin to repair the damage done to the criminal justice system by decades of “tough on crime” policies. Ohio House Bill 86 was passed by nearly unanimous bi-partisan support and will be signed by Governor John Kasich today. The bill will expand the availability of sentencing alternatives for low-level, nonviolent offenders; make uniform statewide standards for probation and parole; and correct sentencing disparities for crack and powder cocaine.

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AKRON - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged Akron City Council to reconsider a proposed ordinance that would ban panhandling within 100 feet of a traffic intersection. The ordinance redefines panhandling as those verbally asking for assistance, as well as those who hold signs. According to officials, those who are ticketed under the law would be charged with a misdemeanor and pay a $150 fine. Those who receive multiple citations will face increased penalties.

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COLUMBUS - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio announced today that it will file suit over provisions of Ohio House Bill 194 that require voters to produce state-issued photo identification in order to vote. HB 194 is expected to pass out of the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee today, and pass the full Senate soon after. The photo ID provisions were amended into the bill on June 21, without providing groups opportunity to testify.

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CLEVELAND - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent letters to officials in three cities calling on them to remove free speech restrictions during their Independence Day parade. Each of the cities prohibits candidates running for office from participating in the community parade and distributing campaign literature. The cities include two Cleveland-area suburbs: Bedford and Shaker Heights. In addition, the ACLU contacted Dublin, a Columbus suburb.

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CLEVELAND - Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio released “Overcharging, Overspending, Overlooking: Cuyahoga County’s Costly War on Drugs,” which examines the effects of the war on drugs on greater Cleveland. June 17 marks the 40th anniversary of President Richard Nixon’s declaring the war on drugs, which ushered in harsh criminal penalties for drug use.

You can read more here.

DAYTON - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio cautioned Dayton City Commissioners against passing an ordinance that would allow law enforcement to arrest any person holding a sign asking for money. Currently, city law regulates panhandlers who actively ask for money, but does not cover a person who is only holding a sign. In addition, those who are cited under current law are ticketed rather than being arrested. Anyone arrested under the proposed law would be charged with a fourth degree misdemeanor.

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WOODSFIELD, OH - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a records request to Monroe County Sheriff Charles R. Black asking for information on the county’s pay-to-stay jail policy. The policy charges people housed in the county jail a fee based on the number of days they are incarcerated and the individual’s income level. Sheriff Black enacted the policy in March 2011.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chris Widener (R-Springfield) asking the committee to amend the proposed state budget bill to ensure private prison operators are held to full accountability and transparency standards. The request follows testimony provided by the ACLU on Thursday, May 19, 2011 where Republican and Democratic members of the committee asked for additional information on how private prison operators will remain accountable to the public.

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SOUTH EUCLID, OH - Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to South Euclid city officials calling on them to remove free speech restrictions during their Memorial Day parade. Officials informed political candidates that they would be unable to participate in the parade as part of their campaign. In addition, attendees will be prohibited from distributing petitions, handing out campaign information, and wearing clothing representing political campaigns.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio will offer testimony before the Ohio Senate Finance Committee on the state’s proposal to privatize and sell up to six public prisons. Following Governor Kasich’s introduction of the state’s biennial budget, the ACLU has been one of many organizations to raise concerns over prison privatization. In April 2011, the ACLU of Ohio released “Prisons for Profit: A look at private prisons.” The report is a compilation of scholarly studies, government reports, and stories from communities that have experienced the negative impact of prisons for profit.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND - Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to Governor John Kasich asking him to grant clemency to Shawn Hawkins, who is scheduled to be executed June 14, 2011. The ACLU’s request comes after the Ohio Parole Board voted unanimously to recommend the governor grant Mr. Hawkins clemency. Since his conviction, serious doubts have been raised regarding Mr. Hawkins’ guilt. Among the questions, a key witness recanted his testimony from the trial, fingerprint evidence was discarded before it was DNA tested, and prosecutors could not prove the murder weapon was ever in Mr. Hawkins’ possession.

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MCCONNELSVILLE, OH - Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged Morgan High School Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe to reconsider the cancellation of a production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The production was canceled because it contained a racial epithet. The Zane Trace Players, a local theatre troupe, was scheduled to perform the play for students at Morgan High School this week. Snyder-Lowe cancelled the performance after the publisher of the play denied a request to alter the script to remove the epithet.

You can read more here.

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COLUMBUS - This week, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio calls on state legislators to reconsider a pair of bills that restrict access to the ballot box for thousands of Ohioans. Legislators will hear testimony on House Bill 194 and Senate Bill 148, both of which will drastically change state election laws to shorten the period people may vote absentee, prohibit poll workers from assisting voters, and require some voters provide their full Social Security number.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on state senators to fully restore earned credit provisions to Ohio House Bill 86. The proposed legislation is an overdue beginning to reform the state’s ineffective and overcrowded criminal justice system. Earned credit allows inmates to reduce their sentence by participating in educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs. However, earned credit in HB 86 would not apply to inmates currently housed in Ohio prisons, meaning there will be little immediate relief to overcrowded facilities.

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COLUMBUS - The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Ohio urged Columbus City School officials to stop censorship of web content geared toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities. The ACLU has sent similar letters to schools across the country as part of the organization’s national “Don’t Filter Me” initiative, which seeks to combat illegal censorship of pro-LGBT information on public school computer systems. The campaign asks students to check to see if their schools’ web browsers block LGBT web content, and then report instances of censorship to the ACLU LGBT Project.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on legislators today to shelve a group of bills restricting decision-making on pregnancies in order to avoid costly litigation. Ohio House Bill 125 would prohibit abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected. This is often so early into a pregnancy, that it would be tantamount to outlawing almost all abortions. House Bill 78 would prohibit later abortions. On Tuesday, April 12, House Speaker William Batchelder postponed a vote on House Bill 78 and sent it back to committee, citing concerns that it might not withstand a legal challenge.

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CLEVELAND - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to school superintendents around the state today, urging them to adopt proactive bullying prevention plans. The ACLU’s letter comes after several months of increased incidents of students across Ohio and the nation bullied by others. In particular, the ACLU encouraged schools to implement policies on how to address bullying when reported, education programs to prevent bullying, and comprehensive training for staff on how to handle bullying when it arises.

You can read more here.

SANDUSKY, OH - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today to Erie County Municipal Court Judge Paul Lux questioning recent reports that he has imprisoned people who are unable to pay court costs and fines. In an article in the Sandusky Register, Judge Lux admits he imprisons people who are unable to pay court costs and fines, known as debtors’ prison.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio released a new report today titled “Prisons for Profit: A look at private prisons” that explores the negative impacts prison privatization has brought to other states. The report is a compilation of scholarly studies, government reports, and stories from communities that have experienced the negative impact of prisons for profit. Ohio lawmakers are considering a proposal in the state’s biennial budget to sell five prisons and allow private companies to run their operations.

You can read more here.

MANSFIELD, OH - Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio expressed disappointment and concern over the cancellation of an event to be hosted by the Mansfield North Central Ohio Tea Party Association at Mansfield Senior High School on Monday, March 28, 2011. After consultation with city police, Mansfield City Schools Superintendent Dan Freund withdrew permission for the event over safety concerns on Monday morning. A coalition of advocacy groups opposed to the message of the keynote speaker was scheduled to host a press conference later that afternoon.

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COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on legislators today to slow down passage of Ohio House Bill 159, which would require photo identification in order for voters to cast a ballot in person. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Robert Mecklenborg (R-Green Township) and Rep. Louis Blessing, Jr. (R-Cincinnati). On Tuesday, March 22, the bill will receive its second hearing before the House Committee on State Government and Elections, which Rep. Mecklenborg chairs. The bill was introduced last week and sponsor testimony was given on March 15, the same day Governor Kasich released his biennial budget proposal.

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COLUMBUS- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to Governor John Kasich urging him to lift restrictions on members of the press from recording his announcement of his biennial budget on March 15, 2011. According to news reports, Governor Kasich will not allow members of the press to video record his speech or take photos. He will allow audio recording, but only to be used for fact checking and not for broadcast.

“Ohio’s biennial budget promises to be one of the most significant pieces of legislation to come from Governor Kasich’s administration over the next two years. Every resident has a stake in understanding and thoroughly vetting these policies. By limiting the press’ access, he has effectively shut the door on the public’s right to know,” said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio was pleased that state officials announced today that they would not move forward with the Camera Integration Project (CIP). The program was designed to allow local officials access to an array of public and private surveillance cameras. The ACLU opposed the program as a dangerous encroachment of Ohioans’ privacy rights, and another increase in government surveillance of innocent Americans.

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CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio expressed deep disappointment over today’s ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court finding that Cuyahoga County’s transition groups are not subject to the state’s public records laws. The ACLU filed a lawsuit with the Ohio Supreme Court in April 2010 after it was denied records from the Transition Executive Committee and other committees created to provide recommendations on the new county government.

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COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio expressed concern today on Ohio House Bill 53, which seeks to create a new criminal misdemeanor violation for sexting: when teenagers send or receive nude or partially nude images of other minors electronically. While there is no specific state law that criminalizes sexting, some county prosecutors around the state have attempted to charge young people with felonies under child pornography laws. A conviction under these statutes may include imprisonment, large fines, and sex offender registration requirements.

You can read more here.

CINCINNATI- On February 2, a three-judge panel for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed unanimously with the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio that a religious display erected in a Richland County courtroom is unconstitutional. The ACLU of Ohio filed a lawsuit against Judge James DeWeese in October 2008 after he installed a poster on the wall of the county courtroom with the Ten Commandments, a set of “humanist precepts,” and a statement on them from DeWeese. In its lawsuit, the ACLU charged that the display was meant to unfairly promote DeWeese’s personal religious views using his position as a judge. The ACLU prevailed in a similar case against Judge DeWeese in 2002.

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COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio expressed disappointment today regarding the lack of transparency and accountability measures in Ohio House Bill 1, which would privatize the state’s Department of Development. Under the legislation, JobsOhio would be allowed to operate secretly, with only quarterly public meetings. The legislation also exempts the organization from parts of state public records laws. The limited records it is required to disclose would only be released annually and not subject to immediate records requests.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged Governor John Kasich to reconsider his decision to eliminate gender identity and expression from an executive order prohibiting discrimination against state employees. The executive order was issued on January 21, and includes groups already protected under state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Under previous Governor Ted Strickland, the executive order covered sexual orientation and gender identity. Governor Kasich’s order only includes sexual orientation.

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POWELL, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged elections officials at the Delaware County Board of Elections and Ohio Secretary of State’s office to seek a court order to extend hours at some of the county’s polling locations. According to news reports, hundreds of voters were not informed that their traditional polling location had been changed. When the voters arrived at New Hope Church in Powell, there was a sign posted on the door directing them to new locations based on their ward.

You can learn more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio launched an investigation today into a controversial new surveillance program that would allow government officials to monitor video feeds from private and public areas around the state. The Camera Integration Project is designed to allow local officials access to an array of public and private surveillance cameras. The ACLU of Ohio’s records request seeks all documents that outline who will have access to the system, when it may be accessed, penalties for the unauthorized use of the system, and who is responsible for oversight of the program.

You can read more here.

CINCINNATI- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio filed a friend-of-the-court brief today in the case Susan B. Anthony List v. Rep. Steve Driehaus, et.al. before the Federal District Court for Southern Ohio. The case originated from a complaint filed by Rep. Driehaus against the Susan B. Anthony List (SBA) after they announced plans to erect billboards criticizing the Congressman. Rep. Driehaus contended that the billboards contained false information and filed a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission. SBA filed suit in federal court arguing the state law against false statements about a candidate is unconstitutional and seeking an injunction to halt the proceedings before the Ohio Elections Commission.

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CLEVELAND- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urges school officials to adopt comprehensive education programs designed to educate students and parents about the consequences of bullying. The ACLU’s call to action comes after weeks of state and national reports of bullying and teen suicides caused by bullying. Most recently, a crowd of students at North High School in Eastlake, near Cleveland, were videotaped chanting anti-gay expletives at a football game. The school is only a few miles from Mentor High School, where four teens have committed suicide over the past two years as a result of bullying.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- Poor defendants are being jailed at increasingly alarming rates for failing to pay legal debts they can never hope to afford, according to a new report released today by the American Civil Liberties Union. The report profiles five states, including Ohio, who are more aggressively going after poor people who have already served their criminal sentences. This undermines re-entry prospects, paving the way back to prison or jail and burdening the public with yet more costs.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, Hispanic Alliance, and League of United Latin American Citizens Ohio called on Governor Strickland to direct the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to accept all valid forms of identification from American citizens born in Puerto Rico who wish to obtain a state-issued ID. The BMV recently announced they would no longer accept Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, even though they are still valid.

Earlier this year, Puerto Rico passed a law requiring that all birth certificates be reissued in order to combat identity theft. On September 30, 2010, all birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010 will become invalid. However, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has preemptively said they will no longer accept Puerto Rican birth certificates effective immediately. Reportedly, Ohio is the only state to preemptively reject these birth certificates.

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COLUMBUS- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio released a new report called “Reform Cannot Wait: A Comprehensive Examination of the Cost of Incarceration in Ohio from 1991-2010.” The report is a survey of two decades of studies that document ineffective policies, inefficient us of funds, and racial unfairness related to the state’s criminal justice system. At a press conference today, State Senators Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati) and Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) joined ACLU of Ohio Legal Director James L. Hardiman and ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link in calling for reform.

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COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a formal letter to Columbus City Council President Michael Mentel and Mayor Michael Coleman urging them to abandon plans to amend the city charter to allow for closed door meetings. In July, city council members approved language for the November 2 ballot, and if passed by voters, will mean the city may conduct some business privately. Currently, the Columbus city charter has a broad requirement that all meetings be conducted in open.

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CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio on Tuesday will ask the FBI to turn over records related to the agency’s collection and use of race and ethnicity data in local communities. According to a 2008 FBI operations guide, FBI agents have the authority to collect information about and map so-called “ethnic-oriented” businesses, behaviors, lifestyle characteristics and cultural traditions in communities with concentrated ethnic populations. While some racial and ethnic data collection by some agencies might be helpful in lessening discrimination, the FBI’s attempt to collect and map demographic data using race-based criteria for targeting purposes invites unconstitutional racial profiling by law enforcement, says the ACLU.

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CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District today regarding a recent announcement that the school district would no longer provide vouchers for low-income families who cannot afford uniforms. State law requires school districts that implement uniforms or strict dress codes must have a policy in place to assist families who qualify for financial aid. Under current district policy, students who do not comply with the uniform policy may be suspended or given detention.

“Education is the bedrock of our community and we cannot allow young people to be denied access to schools because they are unable to buy certain clothes. Uniforms are optional for school districts, but providing our children with quality education must not be,” said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link. “While I sympathize with the financial challenges Cleveland schools face, they are not released from their responsibility to comply with the law.”

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CLEVELAND- In response to civil liberties threats caused by the recent passage of Arizona’s racial profiling law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio issued a travel alert today informing Ohio residents of their rights when stopped by law enforcement while traveling in Arizona. The unconstitutional law, known as SB 1070, requires law enforcement agents to demand "papers" from people they stop who they suspect are not authorized to be in the U.S. If individuals are unable to prove to officers that they are permitted to be in the U.S., they may be subject to warrantless arrest without any probable cause that they have committed a crime.

You can read more here. En Espanol.

COLUMBUS- Amy Goodman, award winning national radio host of “Democracy Now!” and best selling author, will be the keynote speaker at The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio’s statewide conference, “Action! A conference for civil libertarians.” The conference will be held on July 30-31 at the Hyatt Capital Square, 75 E. State St., Columbus. Goodman will speak at 12:40 p.m. on July 31 and will be available to sign her new book, Breaking the Sound Barrier, after her talk.

ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, “For years, Amy Goodman and ‘Democracy Now!’ have been leaders in engaging progressive activists around the nation on important civil liberties issues. Amy’s passion for justice and fairness serve as a model for those who wish to make a difference in their own communities.”

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TROY, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today to officials in Troy regarding the city’s aquatic center policy limiting who may apply for a discounted family pass. According to the center’s website, discounted passes are only available to families comprised of a mother and father who are who are legally married and have at least two children age 3-18 who reside in the same household.

ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel Carrie Davis said, “Families come in all shapes and sizes. City officials are effectively telling residents that if they do not fit in the narrow confines of their definition, then they are not a family. Not only is this unfair, but it is incredibly hurtful to the many single parents, extended family members, and others who are excluded by this outdated policy.”

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COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio will testify today on Ohio House Bill 473, which seeks to create a new criminal misdemeanor violation for sexting: when teenagers send or receive nude or partially nude images of other minors electronically. While there is no specific state law that criminalizes sexting, some county prosecutors around the state have attempted to charge young people with felonies under child pornography laws. A conviction under these statutes may include imprisonment, large fines, and sex offender registration requirements.

You can read more here.

CAMPBELL, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today to Mark J. Kolmacic, law director for the city of Campbell, expressing deep concern over reports that the city charged local residents a fee of $480 in order to peacefully protest on public property. The rally took place on April 17, 2010 and was organized by the Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) chapter at Youngstown State University. The rally was in response to a local ordinance that restricts the sale of firearms.

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CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio is pleased to announce that James L. Hardiman has been named legal director for the organization. Hardiman has over 40 years experience litigating complex civil rights and civil liberties issues, including school desegregation, police practices, and voting rights. Outside of the courtroom, Hardiman has advocated for civil liberties as chair of Citizens for a Safe and Fair Cleveland, and as first vice president of the Cleveland Chapter NAACP.

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CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio filed a lawsuit today in the Ohio Supreme Court after Cuyahoga County officials denied part of a records request seeking documents relating to the Executive Committee, as well as other committees and subcommittees working on the county’s charter transition. In its response to the records request, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s office claimed that they would not provide the documents because they do not consider these committees to be public entities. The ACLU filed its public records request on February 17, 2010, after leaders claimed they were not subject to Ohio’s Sunshine Laws.

“From the new charter’s inception, transition leaders have promised transparency to the public. Unfortunately, they continue to ignore the people’s demand for full access by maintaining that the law does not apply to them,” said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio filed a lawsuit today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on behalf of death row inmate Darryl Durr, who was denied post-conviction DNA testing. According to Ohio law, courts must consider appeals from non-death row prisoners who have been refused DNA testing after they were convicted. However, courts are not required to hear appeals from death row inmates who have been denied DNA testing. In its suit, the ACLU asks the court for a temporary restraining order preventing the state from executing Durr until it can rule on whether he has a constitutional right to a mandatory appeal of his denial of DNA testing. “Death is the most severe punishment society can give, and deserves the highest level of scrutiny to ensure no innocent person is wrongly convicted,” said ACLU of Ohio Legal Director James Hardiman. “To deny those facing execution the same level of due process given to other inmates will only increase the likelihood of a grave injustice.”

You can read more here.

AKRON- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio today urged University of Akron officials to reconsider their decision to dismiss an adjunct faculty member who previously resigned his position in protest over an illegal University policy to collect all job applicants’ DNA. Professor Matt Williams’ resignation in October 2009 led to a firestorm of public criticism over the controversial policy, which was later repealed by the University. The University of Akron later rehired Professor Williams to teach two classes in the spring 2010 semester.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS—The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio blasted a recent policy adopted by the Columbus Division of Police that would deny public access to records of police investigations of murders while those accused are able to appeal their conviction. Journalists, public watchdog groups, family members of the victim and accused, and any other member of the public would be denied access to these documents until the defendant is exonerated, executed or dies in prison.

ACLU of Ohio Associate Director Gary Daniels said, “This policy represents a dramatic step backward in fairness and transparency in the criminal justice system. Police and courts work on behalf of the people, and must be accountable to them. ”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on Cuyahoga County leaders to allow the press and members of the public to observe meetings involving the transition to a new county government. Since the passage of Issue 6 in November 2009, various committees have conducted meetings to discuss the transition. While the public has been invited to participate in some meetings, others have been held in secret.

ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said,“Transparency is absolutely essential to build public trust and ensure that officials are serving the people. It is an inherent contradiction that an advisory committee meant to reform county government wishes to do so behind closed doors without the full participation of the public.”

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged House Speaker Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) to re-assess his decision to block certain groups or individuals from being recognized on the floor of the Ohio House. Elizabeth Trisler, a Shelby County teen who recently won an oratory contest sponsored by National Right to Life, was scheduled to be presented with a proclamation by state Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney) on February 3. Speaker Budish decided Ms. Trisler should not be honored on the House floor because he believed it could be divisive.

“By declining to recognize Ms. Trisler’s achievement, Speaker Budish has created a troubling precedent that anyone who is deemed ‘controversial’ by House leadership will not be honored,” said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link. “Legislators should pay tribute to those who excel in their field, regardless of their political views or affiliations. This decision could cause legislators to second guess issuing proclamations for many Ohioans.”

You can read more here.

NAPOLEON, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged the state’s Supreme Court to quickly reverse Henry County Common Pleas Court Judge Keith P. Muehlfeld’s order to prevent members of the media from reporting on a public trial in his courtroom set to begin Monday, February 1, 2010. On Wednesday, the Toledo Blade asked the Ohio Supreme Court to block Judge Muehlfeld’s gag order.

“One of the cornerstones of our democracy is the role of the media to inform the public about the actions of our government and act as a watchdog against injustice. Transparency is perhaps most important in the courtroom, where defendants are judged on behalf of the people,” said ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel Carrie Davis. “If the media loses its unfettered ability to report on events in the court, there may be a greater chance of failures in the justice system.”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on Governor Ted Strickland and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to suspend a new policy that requires anyone applying for a driver’s license or state identification to show proof of residence. The requirement could prevent many people who are homeless or in non-traditional housing from obtaining proper identification.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio says the ruling issued today by the Ohio Supreme Court in the case of State v. Smith has enhanced the privacy rights of Ohioans. In a first of its kind ruling, the Court said that law enforcement officials must have a warrant in order to search the contents of someone’s cell phone when seized during arrest. In addition, the Court recognized that modern cell phones contain a great deal of personal information and users have a high expectation of privacy.

You can read more here.

LUCASVILLE, OH- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio expressed deep disappointment that the state decided to continue with the execution of Kenneth Biros, despite serious concerns regarding untested procedures implemented in the wake of the September 15th botched execution of Romell Broom. The experimental procedures have never been used in executions and mark a departure from the widely used three-drug cocktail other states use. The new procedures were publicly announced in late November, giving the state only a few weeks to properly train personnel and update protocols.

You can read more here.

HUBBARD, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today to officials at Hubbard Exempted Village School District (HEVSD) urging them to immediately stop punishing students who refuse to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. The letter comes after the ACLU of Ohio received reports from a student at Hubbard High School who has repeatedly refused for several weeks to stand and say the Pledge.

You can read more here.

STOW, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today calling on Stow-Munroe Falls High School officials to stop censoring the Stohion, the school’s student newspaper. The request comes after weeks of debate between school administrators and students after the newspaper staff attempted to run a memorial for a student who committed suicide. The memorial included a photo of the student and a letter from his parents thanking the community for their support. After learning of the planned memorial, the school prevented it from being published and then asserted that they must have editorial control over all future editions.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio announced that it would represent community activist Brian Bardwell, who was fined and warned by a court not to file too many lawsuits to enforce his public records requests. Mr. Bardwell asked for documents concerning Cuyahoga County’s Medical Mart project and subsequent discussions the county had with the Cleveland Plain Dealer about the release of the documents. The county denied part of Mr. Bardwell’s request and he filed a lawsuit challenging that decision. The 8th District Court of Appeals criticized Mr. Bardwell’s motives because he had filed prior public records cases and fined him for filing this lawsuit.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio appeared before the Ohio Supreme Court today challenging retroactive application of Ohio Senate Bill 10, known as the Adam Walsh Act. The bill was passed by the General Assembly in 2007 and drastically altered the classification system used for sexual offenders in Ohio. The ACLU argued that reclassifying offenders retroactively changes their sentences legislatively instead of a hearing and may harm low-level offenders’ ability to reintegrate back into society.

You can read more here.

AKRON- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio criticized a new University of Akron policy that requires job applicants to submit to a DNA test at the discretion of the school. The policy states the DNA will be used for criminal background checks. However, the requirement directly contradicts federal law that goes into effect November 21, 2009, which prohibits employers from requiring employees to submit to a DNA test.

You can read more here.

MANSFIELD, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio prevailed today in its lawsuit against Richland County Judge James DeWeese, who displayed religious documents his courtroom. Judge Patricia A. Gaughan of the Federal Court for the Northern District of Ohio ordered Judge DeWeese to remove the display as it unconstitutionally endorsed particular religious views over others. This marks the second time the courts have ordered Judge DeWeese to remove religious documents from his courtroom. In 2002, the ACLU won a lawsuit against him for posting the Ten Commandments on his courtroom wall.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio renewed its call on Governor Strickland to put an immediate halt on all executions in light of fundamental flaws in the execution process. On October 5, Strickland granted a short 5 month reprieve to two inmates who were to be executed in October and November. Recently, state officials said they are considering scrapping the current procedures in favor of methods such as delivering the medications through muscle tissue or bone marrow. No other states have adopted these methods and they have never been used for execution procedures.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio today cautioned officials around the state to halt attempts to illegally regulate political signs posted on residents’ private property. The ACLU sent warning letters to officials in Thorn Township, east of Columbus, and Saint Bernard, a suburb of Cincinnati, following complaints regarding unfair restrictions on political speech.

“Every election, we receive numerous complaints from Ohioans whose free speech rights are unfairly restricted. In an effort to stem the tide of needless litigation, we encourage all cities to reject regulations that infringe on residents’ rights to post political signs freely,” said ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel Carrie Davis.

You can read more here.

PORTSMOUTH, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio today urged local officials to treat public records requests professionally and courteously, so not to discourage other residents from seeking information about the government. News reports out of Portsmouth claimed that a local blogger named Robert Forrey requested information regarding a local project. His request was fulfilled, but in an email from Mayor Jim Kalb’s official account, the mayor berated Forrey including comments about his family, appearance and age.

"Mayor Kalb's actions were unprofessional and harmful to the community. By attacking someone for making a public records request, he has set a dangerous precedent that could frighten others from seeking similar information," said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio blasted state officials for neglecting to perform a review of the failed September 15 execution of Romell Broom. Following the botched execution attempt, the ACLU launched an investigation into the incident by asking the state for video recordings of the procedures, subsequent reports reviewing the failed execution and any changes to protocols that the state enacted to prepare for Mr. Broom’s rescheduled execution date of September 22. The state admitted to having none of these documents.

“The death penalty is the most severe punishment that can be given by our criminal justice system and there is no room for error. Once again, the state of Ohio has shown that it is simply not competent to carry out this process through its lack of transparency and accountability to the public,” said ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel Carrie Davis.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio today launched an investigation into the botched execution of Romell Broom by issuing a request for public records from the state. The request encompasses information regarding the state’s preparation for Mr. Broom’s first execution date, details about the actual events at the failed attempt, and what measures the state has enacted to prepare for Mr. Broom’s rescheduled execution date.

You can read more here.

LUCASVILLE, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on state officials to immediately put a halt to executions, following the attempted execution of Romell Broom. The procedure was botched after the execution team failed to locate a viable vein after several hours of searching. Late Tuesday afternoon, Governor Strickland delayed Broom’s execution for one week in light of these problems.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio applauded the passage of bi-partisan legislation today in the Ohio House that would protect residents from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill is sponsored by Ohio Rep. Ross McGregor (R-Springfield) and Rep. Dan Stewart (D-Columbus).

You can read more here.

MAPLE HEIGHTS, OH- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to John Montello, law director for the city of Maple Heights, urging the city to be more diligent in protecting the privacy of its residents. Recently, a person made a public records request for information about a property they owned in the community. Included in the response from the city was a copy of two other residents’ driver’s licenses, one of which fully displayed a social security number.

You can read more here.

This press release was distributed by Learning, Not Recruiting. The ACLU of Ohio has worked in coalition with Learning, Not Recruiting to protect the rights of students from intrusive and unnecessary privacy violations. For more information, check out their website at http://www.nwopc.org/learningnot.html.

Learning, Not Recruiting and the ACLU of Ohio applauded recent actions by the Toledo City School Board of Education to protect the privacy of students from military recruiters. Because of the unanimous vote by the TPS Board, a number of significant changes will now be implemented in policy.

You can read more here. 

COLUMBUS- The ACLU of Ohio recently sent letters to Ohio superintendents advising them on the current state of student rights, specifically in regard to using technology like cell phones and Internet. In the letter, the ACLU urged superintendents to use appropriate tools to curb teenagers' unwise use of technology rather than harsh punishment.

You can learn more here.

NEWTON FALLS, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today to Richard Schwartz, law director for the city of Newton Falls, urging him to ensure officials comply with Ohio’s public records law. The ACLU sent the letter after it received complaints regarding officials denying public records requests without sufficient cause and Police Chief John Kuivila threatening a freelance reporter with a lawsuit if the reporter continued pursuing records.

You can learn more here.

CINCINNATI- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on members of Cincinnati City Council to reject a proposal by Councilman Jeff Berding that seeks to impose harsh restrictions on panhandlers in the city. The restrictions in the proposal include requiring panhandlers carry a sign that says how much the city of Cincinnati spends on services for the homeless, forcing all panhandlers to register with the city and pay a fee, and limiting the locations and times they may panhandle. The proposal would also tax panhandlers and treat them as if they were street vendors.

You can learn more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio renewed its call on legislators in the Ohio General Assembly to pass Senate Bill 77, which would expand the availability of DNA tests to people who believe they were wrongfully convicted of a crime. The ACLU urged lawmakers to pass the legislation following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision yesterday in District Attorney’s Office v. Osbourne, which ruled that people have no constitutional right to DNA testing after their conviction. However, the ruling allowed states to extend those rights through legislation.

You can learn more here.

CLEVELAND- U.S. terrorism finance laws and policies unfairly prevent Muslims in Ohio and around the nation from practicing their religion through charitable giving and undermine America’s diplomatic efforts in Muslim countries, according to an American Civil Liberties Union report out late last night. The 164-page report, “Blocking Faith, Freezing Charity,” is the first comprehensive report that documents the serious effects of Bush administration terrorism finance laws on Muslim communities, including those in Toledo and other Ohio cities.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged lawmakers to reject an amendment to the state budget, House Bill 1, that would prohibit school districts from deciding whether or not the Pledge of Allegiance will be recited in their classrooms. Instead of allowing school districts to decide what is appropriate for their community, the legislation forbids districts from passing any policy that would prevent an individual teacher from mandating that the pledge be recited in her classroom. The legislation also prevents anyone reciting the pledge to alter it in any way, such as adding or removing words.

You can read more here.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio is pleased to announce that Susan J. Becker has been named president of the Board of Directors. Becker is a law professor at Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and has been integral in coordinating high-profile litigation involving sexual orientation discrimination. She has served on the ACLU’s Board of Directors since 2004 and has also served in leadership positions in other not-for-profit service and professional organizations.

You can read more here.

TOLEDO- An Ohio federal court will hear arguments tomorrow, May 1 in Toledo in a case challenging the government's authority to freeze an Ohio-based charity's assets and designate it as a terrorist without due process. The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Ohio and several civil rights lawyers brought the lawsuit on behalf of KindHearts for Charitable Humanitarian Development, Inc., whose property was frozen by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) more than three years ago based simply on the assertion that KindHearts was "under investigation." OFAC then threatened to designate KindHearts as a "specially designated global terrorist" based on classified evidence, again without providing due process.

You can read more here.

LOUISVILLE, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter yesterday to Steve Milano, principal of Louisville High School urging him to allow same-sex couples to attend prom on April 24, 2009. The ACLU received a complaint that a student was denied permission to bring a same-sex date to prom. The request was denied by Mr. Milano, two vice principals and the staff advisor for the prom because the student’s date was a person of the same sex.

ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel Carrie Davis said, “This is a clear case of discrimination simply because these young people are gay. Many schools permit groups of students of the same sex to attend proms if their relationship is platonic, but Louisville officials have banned this student because he is in a same-sex relationship. Students should be free to bring whomever they choose as a guest to the prom.”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union will go before the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday to represent an Arizona teen who was strip searched because school officials believed she violated the school’s drug policy by bringing ibuprofen into the building. No drugs were found on then-eighth grader Savanna Redding, but she was so humiliated that she never returned to the school.

ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, “This case is a perfect illustration of zero tolerance policies run amok. If administrators had shown restraint and common sense, they should have realized that strip searching a child to find a legal, over-the-counter medication was unreasonable and unfair.”

You can read more here.

TOLEDO- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter yesterday to members of the Toledo Public School Board calling on them to take action to protect the privacy of students. In the letter, the ACLU pointed out that the board’s current procedures of notifying parents and students of their right to opt out of providing information to military recruiters is inadequate. Currently, parents are not given a separate notification and are not provided with a form to opt out unless they request one.

ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, “Families must be educated on the risks of providing private information to the government, so they may have honest conversations about whether they wish to participate in these programs. Unfortunately, this information is often buried among a litany of other announcements sent home to parents. As a result, many parents and students are unaware that they have  a right to keep their personal information from military recruiters.”

You can read more here.

BUCYRUS, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio was victorious in federal court last week in a case involving the strip search of five middle school students by Bucyrus City School employees. The case settled after school officials agreed to change their policy regarding student searches and compensate the children for the illegal strip searches.

ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel Carrie Davis said, “This case should serve as an example to other school districts that young people have rights that must be protected. School officials may not strip search students. If a situation rises to the level that a strip search may be needed, officials should immediately contact a law enforcement officer.”

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent letters to all county prosecutors and members of the Ohio General Assembly today, calling on them to respect the role of law and not impose heavy-handed charges on “sexting” teens. Throughout the past several weeks, county prosecutors from around the state have threatened to charge teens with felonies and have them labeled sex offenders if they are caught sending nude or partially nude images to others. State legislators have also discussed possible legislation to address the issue.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today to Kal Zucker, President of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education regarding reports that a local principal removed a magazine from the school library. In late 2008, Roxboro Middle School Principal Brian Sharosky instructed the school librarian to remove the November 2008 edition of Nintendo Power from circulation because he believed some of the content was inappropriate. The librarian pointed out that staff must follow library guidelines in order to remove a publication from the shelves, but Mr. Sharosky disregarded this information and continued with the removal.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on legislators in the Ohio General Assembly to oppose Senate Bill 35, which would allow local law enforcement officials to enforce federal immigration laws. The bill is sponsored by State Senator Jimmy Stewart (R-Albany) and is scheduled today for its second hearing before the Senate State & Local Government & Veterans Affairs Committee.

You can read more here.

AKRON – Today, the ACLU of Ohio sent a letter to Bill Payne, Senior Director of Board Services and Supports, regarding a memo that was issued to employees of the Summit County Board of MRDD in November 2008. The memo, entitled “Professionalism in the Workplace” prohibits any conversation by employees on any topic not directly related to enhancing the work of the organization. In its letter, the ACLU of Ohio urged Mr. Payne to immediately suspend the policy because it violated employees’ right to free speech.

You can read more here.

TOLEDO, OH – Several of the nation’s top non-profit humanitarian and philanthropic organizations told a federal court today that the government’s authority and conduct in freezing a charity’s assets undermines critical humanitarian aid and the government’s own anti-terrorism efforts. Grantmakers Without Borders, OMB Watch, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and several other organizations made this argument in a friend-of-the-court brief filed in support of due process rights for KindHearts for Charitable Humanitarian Development, Inc. in a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Ohio and several civil rights lawyers.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS – The Ohio juvenile justice system is failing the state’s children by permitting children to be routinely shackled, mandating that children accused of certain crimes be charged as adults and by not ensuring that all children accused of crimes get lawyers.

The findings, detailed in a report card released today, are the result of an investigation by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Ohio, the Children’s Law Center, Inc. and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender. The investigation has also revealed that Ohio detains and incarcerates a greater percentage of its children than most other states in the nation and that a disproportionate number of those incarcerated are children of color.

You can read more here.

You can read more here.

BATAVIA, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today to Mary Lynne Birck of the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office urging investigators to respect the First Amendment rights of students who wrote letters to their local paper regarding a new school tax levy under consideration. The Prosecutor’s Office indicated they planned on investigating whether the students were forced to write the letters and if any other laws were violated.

ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso said, “Students have a right, like any other people in America, to voice their opinions on issues that are important to them. Similarly, teachers must be free to present diverse, academically rigorous material to their students without fear of reprisal from officials. It is imperative that the Prosecutor’s Office uphold those rights.”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- As the nation prepares for President-Elect Barack Obama’s inauguration, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on the new presidents’ administration to dedicate the next four years to restoring the freedoms that were lost during the Bush administration. Some of the major issues the ACLU has asked Obama to address include: the closing of Guantanamo Bay, guaranteeing full and prompt due process for all detainees, suspending the use of warrantless wiretaps, reaffirming the United States’ opposition to all torture techniques and ending the practice of extraordinary rendition.

You can read more here.

MAPLE HEIGHTS, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today to John Montello, law director for the city of Maple Heights urging city officials to stop enforcement of an unlawful ordinance that requires landlords to submit personal information and photos of their tenants.

ACLU of Ohio Cooperating Attorney Melvyn R. Durchslag said, “City officials have no right to demand this type of personal, private information from individuals who have committed no crime and are simply living in the city. Forcing residents to submit data and photo identification in a registration-style system is draconian and smacks of a ‘Big Brother’ regime.”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called for immediate passage of two bills by the U.S. House and Senate. The first is the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which corrects a recent Supreme Court decision that made it more difficult for employees to take legal action if they had been discriminated against by receiving lower wages. The second bill is the Paycheck Fairness Act, which increases protections under the Equal Pay Act and helps women combat discrimination in the workplace.

You can learn more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged Columbus City Council members to pass legislation that would add gender identity to the city's non-discrimination policy. By broadening the policy, no person can be denied employment, housing or equal access to government facilities based on their gender identity.

ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, "It is patently unfair for any person to be denied a job, housing or access to public resources simply because of who they are. Elected officials must take a stand and proclaim that this type of discrimination will no be tolerated in Columbus."

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on Cleveland City Council members to pass legislation that would create a domestic partner registry and add gender identity to the city’s non-discrimination policy. The registry would allow unmarried couples to register their partnership with the city, no matter their sexual orientation. Adding gender identity to the city’s non-discrimination policy will mean that no person can be denied employment, housing or equal access to government facilities based on their gender identity.

You can learn more here.

ASHTABULA, OH- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) post in Ashtabula County warning them that targeting people based on their race is illegal and should not be tolerated. The ACLU of Ohio has received numerous reports recently of Latinos who reside, work or travel through Ashtabula County being stopped, searched and detained without due cause.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio pointed to findings released today by Ohio’s inspector general as evidence that Governor Ted Strickland must take immediate action to mandate state agencies implement privacy protections. The inspector general found that Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Director Helen Jones-Kelly had no reason to search the records of Joseph Wurzelbacher, also known as “Joe the Plumber. Ms. Jones Kelly also stated that such searches of those in news headlines were common protocol for the office. News reports indicated that nearly a half dozen other state agencies conducted searches on Mr. Wurzelbacher’s information without due cause.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio today renewed its call on Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and other officials to enact regulations protecting private information kept in state databases. The ACLU first pressed for reform after it was revealed officials at Ohio’s Department of Job & Family Services conducted a search of private information on Joseph Wurzelbacher, also known as “Joe the Plumber” and that such searches of those in news headlines were common protocol for the office. News reports today indicate that nearly a half dozen other state agencies conducted searches on Mr. Wurzelbacher’s information without due cause.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- Citizens for a Safe and Fair Cleveland (CSFC) acknowledged Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson’s plan to treat all drug crimes equally as an important first step towards ensuring that all people are given fair treatment in the court system. Mayor Jackson announced late Monday evening that the city would no longer charge those caught with drug residue on paraphernalia with felonies. Although the city of Cleveland routinely charged these individuals with felonies, surrounding suburbs charged those apprehended on similar offenses with misdemeanors.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND– The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio fielded calls and online reports from voters across Ohio leading up to and on November 4, 2008. Several trends emerged including the positive effect early voting had on the election and the need to increase training on provisional ballots and clarify identification rules. In the weeks and months following the election, state officials in the Ohio General Assembly and other offices may look to ways to improve the voting process and should focus on these areas to simplify existing requirements.

You can read more here.

KIRTLAND, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to Daniel F. Richards, law director for the city of Kirtland, warning him that restrictions placed on election signs violate residents’ free speech rights. The ordinance states that residents may not display signs thirty days before an election and must take them down ten days after the election. Additionally, it requires a person to pay a ten dollar fee per sign and limits the size and number of signs that may be posted on private property.

ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, “Government should not be in the business of charging residents for expressing their political views. At the very core of the first amendment is the right for each person to speak freely without having to pay a fee or getting permission from the government. It’s called free speech—not nominally-priced speech.”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio unveiled a new campaign today targeted towards voters who may be wrongfully purged from voter registration lists or challenged on Election Day. The “Refuse to Leave” campaign urges all voters to stay and politely request a provisional ballot if a poll worker states they cannot issue them a regular ballot.
 
ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, “Ohio has seen an unprecedented amount of partisan manipulation this election season. Last-minute maneuvering could threaten to disenfranchise some voters who may be challenged at polls, bring insufficient identification or are purged from voter registration lists because of clerical errors like typos and misspellings.”

You can read more here.

CINCINNATI- The American Civil Liberties Union and other voting rights groups sent a letter to Hamilton County Special Prosecutor Michael O’Neill Today urging him to suspend investigations on voters where there is no specific, credible evidence of fraud. According to news reports, Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Deters began an investigation into voters who took advantage of the five day window in which a person may simultaneously register to vote and cast a ballot. Deters declined to give any specific evidence of voter fraud that would have triggered an investigation and local elections officials confirmed they received no reliable reports of voter fraud.

You can read more here.

WASHINGTON – In a major victory for voting rights, the U.S. Supreme Court today issued an order protecting voters in Ohio from attempts to challenge their registrations based on small inaccuracies in government databases. The order reverses an appeals court decision that would have required Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner to provide all 88 county Boards of Elections with lists of mismatched voters for whom there were discrepancies between the information on their registration forms and other government databases. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a friend-of-the-court brief early this morning in support of Brunner’s position.

You can read more here.

WASHINGTON, D. C.- The American Civil Liberties Union filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the United States Supreme Court today asking them to defend voters in Ohio from attempts to challenge their registration based on small inaccuracies in government databases. The lawsuit was originally filed by the Ohio Republican Party to require Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner to provide all 88 county Boards of Elections with lists of mismatched voters that had discrepancies between the information on their registration forms and other government databases. To protect the integrity of Ohio’s electoral process, the ACLU’s brief supports the Secretary of State’s position.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND – In order to protect the integrity of Ohio’s elections, the American Civil Liberties Union today called on the Ohio Republican Party to stop intimidating lawful voters. On Wednesday, the party asked all of the state’s 88 county Boards of Elections to hand over information about all newly registered voters and those who have legally registered and cast an absentee ballot on the same day. These records will likely be used to challenge innocent voters, according to the ACLU.

You can read more here.

XENIA, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union and other voting rights groups sent a letter to Greene County Sheriff Gene Fischer and Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Stephan Haller insisting they stop unsubstantiated investigations of voters who lawfully registered to vote and cast a ballot on the same day. Despite claims that he is investigating alleged voter fraud, Sheriff Fischer has been quoted in news reports that he does not have any first hand reports to support these allegations.
 
“The sheriff and prosecutor’s actions amount to nothing more than a massive fishing expedition. As an officer of the law, they should know better than to launch an investigation on hundreds of people without a shred of evidence. Publically announcing this investigation will only serve to intimidate county voters and make more people wary of participating in the political process now and in future elections,” said ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel Carrie Davis.

You can read more here.

TOLEDO, OH – The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Ohio and several civil rights lawyers today asked a federal court to block the government from blacklisting an Ohio-based charity, KindHearts for Charitable Humanitarian Development, Inc., without due process. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) froze the group’s assets more than 31 months ago, without notice or a hearing, based simply on the assertion that KindHearts was “under investigation.” OFAC has since threatened to designate KindHearts as a “specially designated global terrorist” based on classified evidence, again without providing KindHearts with a reason or meaningful opportunity to defend itself.

You can read more here.

MANSFIELD, OH- The ACLU of Ohio filed a lawsuit today in the U.S. District Court of Northern Ohio against Richland County Judge James DeWeese. In its lawsuit, the ACLU claims he has continued posting documents in his courtroom that promote one religion over another. The ACLU previously won a case in 2002 against him for posting the Ten Commandments in his courtroom.
 
ACLU of Ohio Cooperating Attorney Mike Honohan said, "Judge DeWeese was already ordered to remove the Ten Commandments from his courtroom, yet he continues to defy the constitution and display religious documents. As a steward of the court, he should comply with the court’s order rather than try to find a backdoor method to promote his own religious agenda in the courtroom."

For more information, click here.

COLUMBUS, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union and Brennan Center will file a friend-of-the-court brief today asking the Ohio Supreme Court to protect voters’ rights and allow rejected absentee ballot applications to be processed. The lawsuit was brought by two Hamilton County voters who completed absentee ballot request forms that were rejected because of an unchecked box.
 
On September 5, 2008, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner issued a memorandum instructing county Boards of Elections to not process absentee ballot request forms that have an unchecked box next to the signature of the voter, declaring him or her to be a qualified elector. The forms with the box were sent to over one million Ohio voters by the McCain campaign. The box is not required by Ohio law to be included on the forms.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- After complaints from voter registration groups who were prevented from reaching college students, the ACLU of Ohio today called on Ohio school administrators to grant full access on campus to these groups. September 30, 2008 marked the first day of early voting in Ohio, as well as a five day window where new voters could register and vote at the same time.
 
ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, “The ability to register and cast a vote on the same day is especially crucial for college students. Many of these young people are first time voters and casting their ballots early could help alleviate long lines and registration problems on Election Day.”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND – In an overwhelming victory for voting rights, two different Ohio courts today ruled that counties cannot deny absentee ballots to newly registered voters in violation of directives issued by Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. Last week, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit and two friend-of-the-court briefs challenging efforts to prevent new voters from casting absentee ballots.
 
“This is a resounding victory for Ohio voters and the constitution,” said Meredith Bell-Platts, staff counsel with the ACLU Voting Rights Project. “Two different courts came to the same conclusion – that every eligible voter who registered close to the 30 day deadline will be certain of their right to vote absentee. As a result of today’s decisions, we are confident that disenfranchisement will be minimized. These decisions enhance civic participation by removing unnecessary and discriminatory barriers to people’s access to the ballot.”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit late yesterday challenging Madison County’s decision to deny absentee ballots to newly registered voters in violation of directives sent by Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. The lawsuit was filed in the in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on behalf of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH), 1Matters, Project Vote and two individual voters.
 
“If newly-registered voters are prevented from casting absentee ballots in person or by mail, thousands of Ohio voters will be disenfranchised. Many people, including students who only recently became old enough to vote, need to have access to absentee ballots because they may attend school in a different county or state, but still reside at their home address,” said ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel Carrie Davis.

You can read more here.

BUCYRUS, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio is filing a lawsuit today in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio against the Bucyrus City School District and members of its staff. The suit challenges the school district’s repeated use of strip searches on students, in violation of federal and state laws. The plaintiffs in the case are three students who were strip searched because staff suspected they were in possession of tobacco products. Two of the students have reported being strip searched on other occasions.

You can read more here.

You can get more information including the schedule here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio today called on Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and George Voinovich to reject the FISA Amendments of 2008 Act (H.R. 6304). The bill would allow the federal government to continue its illegal warrantless wiretapping program without oversight from courts and would also grant immunity to telecommunications companies who have aided the program during the last seven years.

You can read more here.

GREENFIELD, OH- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to officials in Greenfield, in Highland County, warning them that the use of sectarian prayer at the beginning of city council meetings is unconstitutional. According to reports, the city council regularly begins meetings with prayers using phrases such as “in Jesus’ name.”

ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso said, “Courts have routinely held that a public body cannot begin their meetings with an inherently sectarian prayer. By doing so, the city gives preferential treatment to one religion and not others.”

You can read more here.

ELYRIA, OH- Yesterday, The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio was victorious in its claim that the government’s lethal injection procedures violated state law that requires executions be quick and painless. The case was presided over by Lorain County Common Pleas Judge James Burge. The ACLU of Ohio represented Ruben Rivera and Ronald McCloud who are charged, but not convicted, with crimes that may qualify them for the death penalty. Judge Burge ruled that the three drug cocktail given to those executed did not work properly and called on the state for a new drug combination that would work without risk of causing the person excruciating pain.

You can read more here.

MANSFIELD, OH- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio filed a motion in the U.S. District Court of Northern Ohio with Judge Kathleen O’Malley requesting Judge James DeWeese provide evidence why he should not be held in contempt of court. In June 2002, Judge O’Malley agreed with the ACLU of Ohio that Judge DeWeese could not display the Ten Commandments in his courtroom. Her decision was upheld by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court declined review. However, as recently as May 15, 2008, witnesses described seeing the Ten Commandments prominently exhibited in the court.

ACLU of Ohio Cooperating Attorney Mike Honohan said, “Judge DeWeese’s actions directly fly in the face of the Court’s ruling. This judgment has been in effect for almost six years, yet Judge DeWeese is still not abiding by it.”

You can read more here.

FINDLAY, OH- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to Findlay City Schools Superintendent Dean Witter requesting him to immediately stop school employees from escorting students to visit missionaries during school hours. According to reports, individuals were outside the school distributing Gideon bibles, and all fifth grade students at Findlay City Schools were removed from class in order to receive a bible from the proselytizers.
 
ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, “The ACLU is committed to respecting the rights of anyone to practice a religion or not, but the school has clearly overstepped its bounds. By taking time away from class instruction for a clear religious proselytizing purpose, the school has openly forced the views of a single religious sect on young people.”

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio expressed disappointment with the Ohio House today after it passed House Bill 477 by a vote of 54-42. The bill restricts state and local government from communicating in languages other than English, except in special circumstances.

ACLU of Ohio Staff Attorney Carrie Davis said, "English-only policies are misguided and divisive. People want to learn and improve their English, but the demand for learning classes outpaces their availability."

"This legislation is ill-conceived, will lead to costly litigation, and will hurt Ohio's ability to attract innovative companies and good jobs," added Davis.

You can read more here.

ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, “The very concept that a person should have to pay for free speech inherently opposes the most important ideals of the Constitution.”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The ACLU of Ohio is challenging Ohio’s administration of lethal injection as illegal and unconstitutional in the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas. An evidentiary hearing in the cases is scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2008 and Tuesday, April 8, 2008. 
 
The cases are State v. Rivera and State v. McCloud. The ACLU of Ohio represents the defendants in their argument that Ohio's method of carrying out lethal injections is both illegal and unconstitutional because it is likely to result in inmates being, in effect, tortured to death.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union has named Shaw High School student Jonathan Lykes as a winner of the 2008 Youth Activist Scholarship contest. The award honors 15 students across the country who have protected the civil liberties of others, particularly the rights of other youth.

Lykes said, “I always use the quote from Martin Luther King Jr., ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ I wanted to start my efforts with the future of this country—youth… I will continue to fight for justice for all people until I am dead. There is no greater calling to live for.”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio warned the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library that recent censorship of public educational programs could stifle free speech. Recently, the library cancelled the first program in a series on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict amid complaints that the presentation would be biased.

ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso said, “The cancellation of this event is blatant and shameful censorship of particular views. Libraries should be a place where members of the public congregate and exchange ideas with one another.”

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio applauded the introduction of bi-partisan legislation today that would protect workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill is sponsored by Ohio Rep. John Peterson (R-Delaware), Rep. Dan Stewart (D-Columbus) and Senator Dale Miller (D-Cleveland).

ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel Carrie Davis said, “All Ohioans deserve to be judged by the quality of their work and ability to perform their jobs. It is inherently unfair for employers to punish someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

You can read more here.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND–Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio renewed its call on Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Cuyahoga County Board of Elections officials to heed the advice of the state’s top organization for election officials and reverse their decision to switch to voting technology that does not alert voters to errors on ballots.

The Ohio Association of Election Officials (OAEO), a bipartisan group that represents all 88 county election boards, delivered a four-page statement on Tuesday disagreeing with Secretary Brunner’s decision to switch voting systems before the March 4 primary elections.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of Ohio filed a lawsuit against state election officials in federal court today challenging the use of unequal, inaccurate and inadequate voting technology in Ohio’s most populous county. Today’s legal action seeks to block Cuyahoga County’s recent shift from using electronic voting machines to a system that lacks the ability to provide voters with notice of balloting errors and an opportunity to correct such mistakes. According to the ACLU, the use of these machines violates the Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment as well as the Voting Rights Act.

You can learn more here.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND–The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged election officials in Cuyahoga County today to reassess their decision to abandon current technology in favor of Central Count Optical Scan (CCOS) voting machines. In addition to previous concerns over violations of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, the move to CCOS technology directly violates Ohio law that prohibits the use of voting machines that do not preclude an elector from overvoting, or casting more votes than the elector is eligible to cast.

You can read more here.

MASON, OH- In a letter today from the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio to Dr. David Allen, principal at William Mason High School, the ACLU of Ohio warned school officials that their current practice of seizing student cell phones and reading personal text messages was poor policy and unconstitutional. Recently, the ACLU of Ohio received complaints from students and parents at the school because several administrators began confiscating phones and reading private text messages to determine if the students attended private parties off school grounds during the weekend.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- Hoy, la Unión Americana de Derechos Civiles de Ohio destapó su nueva guía en Español de la salud de jóvenes, Tu Salud y La Ley: Una Guía para Adolescentes.  Una versión traducida y actualizada de, Your Health and the Law: A Guide for Teens, este folleto provee la perspectiva en leyes de Ohio y leyes federales con respecto a asistencia médica de jóvenes, al recordar el lector adolescente.  
 
La Directora Ejecutiva de ACLU de Ohio, Christine Link, dijo, "La respuesta inicial a la Guía en Ingles de la Salud del Jóvenes fue imensa. Comenzamos a recibir varias peticiónes para una versión en Español, y fue evidente que había una necesidad para uno a ayudar la población creciente que habla español en Ohio.

Puede leer más aquí.  In English.

CLEVELAND- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio unveiled its new Spanish guide on teen health, Tu Salud y La Ley: Una Guía para Adolescentes.  A translated and updated version of, Your Health and the Law: A Guide for Teens, this booklet provides insight into both Ohio and federal laws regarding teen health care, while keeping the adolescent reader in mind.
 
ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, “The initial response to the English Teen Health Guide was overwhelming. We began to receive several requests for a Spanish version, and it became evident that there was a need for one to cater to the growing Spanish speaking population in Ohio.”

You can read more here. Para Español.

OXFORD, OH- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio expressed concern over the reaction of officials at Miami University towards a student art display. The art piece, created by a group of students, was intended to symbolize the Tree of Life and featured a tire swing and seven ropes. The display stood for several hours until police were called and removed it because it was deemed controversial. Following the removal of the display, university officials and police have threatened action against the students involved.

ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said, “University leadership, while well meaning in its attempt to avoid offending anyone, has ultimately offended the principles of an institution of higher learning by a reprehensible lack of support for intellectual freedom and robust discussion.”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to the Third Frontier Internship Program urging officials to cease discriminating against Ohioans based on their national origin. The program, which pairs Ohio students with high-tech businesses for internships and subsidizes part of the student’s wages, requires that all participants be U.S. citizens.
 
“The Third Frontier Internship Program seems like a wonderful opportunity for many young people,” said ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso. “It is troubling that some young people are denied the chance to enrich themselves simply because they are not U.S. citizens, even if they have lived and studied here for years.”

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio renewed its call on the state of Ohio to put an immediate stop to all executions in light of troubling findings revealed by the American Bar Association (ABA). In its report, the ABA found serious deficiencies in the system that compromise defendants’ ability to receive a fair trial and also found that race, class and geography play a role in who is given the death penalty and who is not.

“The ABA study shows what opponents of the death penalty have been saying for years,” said ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso. “Defendants often cannot receive a fair trial and there is insufficient protection against innocent people being wrongly convicted and executed.”

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio criticized a new initiative by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) that would require those who are cited for jaywalking on Euclid Avenue to provide a government-issued photo identification or risk arrest. The new identification requirements were announced in an e-mail to students at Cleveland State University as a warning of RTA’s new policy once construction on Euclid Avenue is completed.

“RTA cannot arrest someone simply for not carrying photo identification,” said ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso. “Pedestrians are not required to carry photo identification, and there is no mandatory government-issued identification in this country.”

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on state and local leaders to make meaningful changes to voting protocol in order to facilitate more efficient elections. In letters to Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Board of Election Directors from each of Ohio’s 88 counties, the ACLU of Ohio pointed to problems with lack of qualified poll workers, congestion at polls, absentee balloting and voter confusion over polling places and identification as obstacles to restore voter confidence in the election process.
 
The ACLU of Ohio also proposed several reforms to help solve some of the problems plaguing Ohio’s election system. One improvement championed by the ACLU is recruiting more student poll workers. In 2006, state legislators enacted Ohio House Bill 234, which allowed high school students to leave school for the day in order to serve as poll workers. A few counties implemented programs to attract young people to poll worker positions, but the effort was not widespread.

You can read more here.

TOLEDO, OH—Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to Toledo Chief of Police Michael Navarre and City Law Director John Madigan urging the police department and city to immediately cease enforcing any policy that restricts Toledo residents’ ability to distribute literature and petitions on the public sidewalk outside of Fifth Third Field. Recent reports from residents have pointed to a policy enforced by the Toledo Police Department that no one may gather and hand out literature on that sidewalk.

You can read more here.

MASON, OH—Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to City of Mason Law Director Ken Schneider urging him and other local officials to stop threatening prosecution for residents who were planning to circulate a petition to recall several City Council members. Schneider and other officials contend that anyone who distributed or sponsored the petition may be charged with a felony because they believe some of the claims of the petition may be inaccurate.

In his letter to Schneider, ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso said there is no basis in Ohio law to charge someone with a crime because of supposed inaccuracies in petition language. After Schneider threatened prosecution, local organizers subsequently stopped the petition process.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND –The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio expressed grave concern over recent reports that personal information of over 225,000 Ohioans and 64,000 state employees has been stolen as a result of careless errors and antiquated protection methods employed by the state. The data breach comes as the debate intensifies over whether states should go forward with plans to implement a national ID program.

ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso said, “It is clear that the protections the state has implemented to guard against ID theft are woefully inadequate.”

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio announced that it would investigate the execution procedures implemented by the state and the events surrounding the execution of Christopher Newton one week ago. The ACLU of Ohio was joined by Ohioans to Stop Executions and Jonathan I. Groner MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at Ohio State University who also called on the state to release information on the execution and to end the death penalty in Ohio immediately.

You can read more here.

LUCASVILLE, OH- Today, the ACLU of Ohio called for an immediate halt to all executions in light of Ohio’s second botched execution.
 
“What is clear from today’s botched execution is that the State doesn’t know how to execute people without torturing them to death,” said ACLU of Ohio staff attorney Carrie Davis.
  
Christopher Newton was scheduled to be executed today by the State of Ohio. The State began the procedure at 10:00 a.m. However, more than an hour and a half later, it was reported that the executioners were unable to locate a vein. Yet, the State continued to try.

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS–The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio applauded Governor Ted Strickland for signing an executive order that protects Ohioans working for the state government from job discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. This executive order marks the first time gender identity discrimination has been banned by an Ohio governor and restores an earlier order by former Governor Celeste banning sexual orientation discrimination.

ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel Carrie Davis said, “This is a wonderful first step for a state that has been ranked dead last in passing legislation guaranteeing fair treatment for LGBT Ohioans.”

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS, OH - As the Supreme Court of Ohio today heard arguments on protecting children’s right to counsel, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Ohio, the Children’s Law Center and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender announced a statewide campaign to inform young people of their rights.

Based on analysis of juvenile court cases, the groups estimate that in several Ohio counties as many as 90 percent of children charged with criminal wrongdoing are not represented by counsel. Statewide, an estimated two-thirds of juveniles facing unruly or delinquency complaints proceed without an attorney.

You can read more here.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND—The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio decried a decision late Thursday afternoon by Cuyahoga County Judge David T. Matia preventing WEWS Channel 5 News from airing a story about Westlake area spa Belladerm providing medical treatment without a license. The spa asked for a temporary restraining order claiming the news reports were false and could harm the business. Judge Matia granted the order and is expected to determine if the story will air at all today.

ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso said, “By issuing an injunction before the tape has been seen by the public, the judge is effectively chilling the speech of news outlets around the area. It tells them that they can report the news only after getting permission.”

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS–Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio cautioned against a recent proposal by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner to establish a system for requiring Ohioans to serve as poll workers if called upon by the state. The plan was mentioned at a meeting last week with the Ohio Association of Election Officials and a spokesperson for Brunner confirmed that she plans to introduce legislation.

ACLU of Ohio Litigation Coordinator Gary Daniels said, “It is antithetical to the idea of democracy to force Ohioans to serve as poll workers in an election. An important component of American democracy allows people to participate in civics or not, if they so choose.”

You can read more here.

CINCINNATI - A federal appeals court will hear arguments on Wednesday, January 31, in the landmark American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit challenging the National Security Agency's warrantless wiretapping of Americans. Experts, activists and Americans who have been subject to government surveillance will also attend the hearing.

A district court judge previously ruled that the NSA program is unconstitutional and violates the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Stating that there are "no hereditary kings in America and no power not created by the Constitution," Judge Anna Diggs Taylor ordered the president to shut down the illegal program. The federal government appealed the ruling.

You can read more here.

HAMILTON, OH– Today, after receiving word that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entered into an agreement granting Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones authority to enforce federal immigration law, the ACLU of Ohio sent public records requests to both the sheriff and ICE to determine exactly what the agreement states the sheriff can do.

You can read more here.

TOLEDO, OH– Today, the ACLU of Ohio sent a letter to John Madigan, Law Director for the city of Toledo, urging him to abandon attempts to cite Toledo resident Jeffrey Nelson for displaying four anti-war political signs in his front yard. Mr. Nelson received a notice from the city’s Division of Building Inspection on Dec. 2, 2006 stating that he must remove his signs within 24 hours or risk incurring a fine.

You can read more here. 

COLERAIN TOWNSHIP—The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio today denounced the actions of Northwest School officials and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department for today's reported search of every student at Northwest High School.

“Neither school officials nor police may search students, or anyone without at least reasonable suspicion that the particular person being searched is concealing a dangerous weapon or some sort of contraband. Mass searches of every student are presumptively unreasonable,” said ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso. “We understand the need to keep our kids safe, but school wide searches that violate the Fourth Amendment, degrade the students and waste resources are not the best way to do it.”

You can read more here.

AKRON—The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio today urged Summit County Election officials to make certain that absentee ballots mailed with insufficient postage are either counted or alternative means of casting a vote are made. As many as 10,000 ballots have been projected to sit at the Post Office, rather than the Board of Elections.

“The casting of a ballot is fundamental to the democratic practice and the potential for disenfranchisement on this scale is entirely unacceptable,” said ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso. “That the ballots were mailed to voters late makes this situation all the more egregious. It's time for members of the board to put party affiliation and travel schedules aside and solve this problem.”

You can read more here.

COLUMBUS—The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio today called on the Ohio Supreme Court to revise Rule 16 of Ohio’s rules for criminal prosecutions to ensure that persons accused of crime will have timely access to the evidence against them. Currently, the law permits the prosecution to conceal some evidence setting up a system of trial by ambush.

“Allowing prosecution and defense equal access to all evidence creates a level playing field in courts,” said ACLU of Ohio Legal Director Jeffrey Gamso. “Under the current system, prosecutors have a huge advantage over the defense because they can investigate and prepare evidence that the other side may not know about until it is presented at trial.”

You can read more here.

LUCASVILLE, OH- Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio filed an amicus brief claiming that prosecutors presented jury members with false evidence in the trial of Siddique Abdullah Hasan, who was accused of killing Officer Vallandingham during the 1993 Lucasville riots.

“Mr Hasan was convicted and sentenced to death largely based on evidence which has now been shown to be unreliable,” said Staughton Lynd, ACLU of Ohio Cooperating Counsel.

“If the state presented evidence that was not true, Mr. Hasan’s conviction and death penalty should be immediately over-ruled,” continued Lynd.

You can read more here.

CLEVELAND– Ohio voters want to see Congress take a stronger role in providing checks and balances to the President’s actions in fighting terrorism, and voice a strong preference for House and Senate candidates who will oppose the President’s policies on the treatment of Guantanamo detainees, the use of torture and extraordinary rendition of detainees as well as secret searches of the private records of Americans, according to a recent survey of 600 Ohio registered voters.

“This poll shows that the voters of Ohio care deeply about protecting our civil liberties, which have been under unprecedented attack by the Bush Administration,” said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link. “We think it is important that this solid support for civil liberties be a key part of the debate leading up to November’s elections. Candidates should know that while the voters of Ohio want protection from terrorism they don’t want it at the expense of their Constitutional rights,” she said. “Those who try to use terrorism as a political wedge issue are in for a rude awakening.”

You can read more here.

CINCINNATI – The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio applauded yesterday’s decision by Federal District Court Judge Susan Dlott that Ohio women should have easier access to a drug that provides early, safe pregnancy termination. Dlott ruled that Ohio House Bill 126, which restricted the use of mifepristone, was unconstitutional and permanently enjoined the law. “The Court’s decision protects the health of women and the ability of their doctors to provide them the best medical care,” said Jessie Hill, cooperating counsel for the ACLU.

You can read more here.

Today, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that attorneys seeking to represent indigent clients in Ohio are no longer required to sign documents swearing that they are not terrorists and have no involvement with terrorist groups. The court ruled that requiring the pledges from court-appointed attorneys fell outside of the act’s definition of those who should sign the pledges.

You can read more here.

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio along with the Brennan Center, Lawyers’ Committee and the ACLU Voting Rights Project filed suit in Federal Court for the Northern District of Ohio challenging a section of Ohio House Bill 3. The provision would allow poll workers to inquire if a voter is a naturalized citizen and require those voters to provide proof that they were naturalized. If they cannot provide proof at the polling place, the voter may cast a provisional ballot but has to go to the Board of Elections with documentation within 10 days of the election.

You can read more here. 

Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio filed suit in Federal Court for the Northern District of Ohio challenging Ohio House Bill 484, which would restrict any forms of protest or picketing one hour before, during and after a funeral. The law would also create a “bubble” the width of two football fields around the funeral home, church, funeral procession and cemetery so that no protest could occur.

You can read more here.

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to Woodward Park Middle School officials requesting that they cease plans to allow three local ministers on to school grounds on Sunday, August 27 to perform a religious ceremony and bless the building. In its letter to the administration, the ACLU of Ohio cautioned the school that such a ceremony may be seen as favoritism to a particular religion and that the school would be required to allow any other group access to perform ceremonies at the school.

You can read more here.

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio cautioned law enforcement and communities against becoming overly anxious over fear of terrorism and resorting to ethnic and racial profiling. The statement comes after a week of speculation that two Lebanese-American men arrested in Marietta may have been involved in terrorism because of “suspicious” activities. Yesterday, both men were cleared of all terrorism charges.

You can read more here.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio expressed disappointment yesterday, after members of the Ohio General Assembly announced a new initiative that duplicates various federal immigration laws and opens the door for massive racial and ethnic profiling throughout the state. The Act, titled the Illegal Alien Enforcement Act, seeks to charge local law enforcement with imposing federal laws, restricting assistance programs from helping needy Ohioans and requiring businesses to affirm they do not employ undocumented workers. In Thursday’s announcement, the Act was touted as beneficial to legal immigrants in Ohio.

You can read more here.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to the Monroe County Commissioners today, requesting that they stop restricting residents from recording their meetings. During the May 8, 2006 meeting, a man attempted to set up a camera to record but commissioners proposed and passed a resolution barring cameras from the meeting by a vote of 2-1.

You can read more here.

Terrorism The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio filed a legal brief with the Ohio Supreme Court in its first challenge to the much-maligned Ohio Patriot Act. The lawsuit, which specifically disputes a requirement forcing lawyers who act as public defenders to sign a statement certifying they are not terrorists promises to be only the first of litigation challenging the many dangerous sections of the Act.

You can read more here.

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to the Department of Justice and Butler County Commissioners urging them to conduct a thorough and extensive investigation into the apparent suicides of two inmates in the Butler County Jail. Both deaths, occurring within a week of one another led the ACLU of Ohio to recommend that Butler County officials make immediate and meaningful changes to the operation and practices at the jail.

You can read more here.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to the Monroe County Commissioners today, requesting that they stop restricting residents from recording their meetings. During the May 8, 2006 meeting, a man attempted to set up a camera to record but commissioners proposed and passed a resolution barring cameras from the meeting by a vote of 2-1.

You can read more here.

You can read more here.

The Ohio Department of Homeland Security (ODHS) will hold a press conference to promote its “See Something, Say Something” campaign in Cleveland on Friday, June 9. This campaign aims to combat terrorism by encouraging Ohioans to call or fill out an online form if they witness something they believe is “suspicious.”

“Programs such as this are counter-intuitive to effectively combating terror because it creates large numbers of reports that flood law enforcement and leave them unable to sift through all of the information,” said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link.

“Instead of preventing terrorism, it will open the door to racial and ethnic profiling, put many innocent people under government scrutiny and infringe upon the privacy of countless Ohioans,” added Link.

You can read more here.

A decision by the Ohio Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled for the first time that a jury cannot discount the background of a defendant when they decide whether to sentence them to death. In an opinion by Justice Lanzinger in the case of State v. Tenace, the Court for the first time reversed a death sentence based on the extraordinarily troubled life of the defendant.

You can read the entire press release here.

Read the entire press release here.

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called on Ohio state legislators to stand up for free speech.  The Ohio General Assembly is expected to vote this week to prohibit protest activities near funerals.

“The First Amendment guarantee of free speech is the hallmark of our constitutional freedoms,” said Carrie Davis, ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel. “By restricting all speech around funerals, the General Assembly is abridging everyone’s right to speak in order to silence one bad apple.”

You can read the entire press release here.

Following widespread reports of people unable to vote throughout Ohio, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio called for immediate attention to those disenfranchised because of non-functioning machines, uninformed poll workers, disorganization in the voting precincts or by being turned away from the polls. “No person should be turned away without voting. If the boards of election are having difficulty with machines or organizing themselves, the answer is not to deny people the vote but to keep precincts open and ensure that all people who are registered and want to vote are given an opportunity,” said Christine Link, Executive Director with the ACLU of Ohio. Read the entire press release here.

Today, the State of Ohio executed Joseph L. Clark after a lengthy delay resulting from a collapsed vein. Clark was scheduled to be executed at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning. Reports show that the execution began without incident, but a series of complications arose.

“While it is clear officials were experiencing a great deal of problems injecting the drugs into Mr. Clark, the public does not know what happened after the officials chose to close the curtain,” said Carrie Davis, Staff Counsel with the ACLU of Ohio.

You can read the entire press release here.

Today, The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio applauded last night’s decision by the Springfield School Board to reinstate eighth grade student Jessica Schoch. Jessica was not allowed to attend school or participate in extra-curricular activities after school officials discovered a MySpace profile that parodied a school administrator.

The ACLU of Ohio represented Jessica at last night’s Springfield School Board meeting and argued that the profile was free speech and that it was an issue for the parents rather than the school because she created the profile at home on her own computer.

ACLU of Ohio cooperating attorney Arnold Gottlieb said, “We are pleased the school board ultimately recognized that defending a lawsuit over its actions would have been time-consuming, costly to taxpayers and most importantly–unsuccessful.”

Read the entire press release here.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio will defend the free speech rights of a student who was expelled for posting a spoof profile on MySpace.com. On Wednesday, April 26, the Springfield School Board, located in Lucas County outside of Toledo, will hear the expulsion appeal of Jessica Schoch. Jessica was expelled from school when administrators discovered a parody profile of the Assistant Principal she created on MySpace.com from her home on her own computer. Jessica will be represented at the school board hearing by ACLU cooperating counsel Arnold Gottlieb.

Read the entire press release here.