Commentary

10.01.18

Regarding the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court of the United States

By ACLU of Ohio

We, the ACLU of Ohio, have two concerns regarding the nomination of and hearings for Judge Brett Kavanaugh. First, a traditional concern of the American Civil Liberties Union is due process. While congressional hearings are not formally subject to the requirement of due process, when that standard is not met the American people are justifiably… more »
09.26.18

Cuyahoga County Council Passed Legislation that Protects the LGBT Community

By Susan J. Becker

On September 25, 2018 the Cuyahoga County Council passed an LGBT Non-Discrimination Ordinance by a vote of 8-3. The words represented in this blog reflect the sentiments that the ACLU of Ohio’s General Counsel Susan Becker presented at the Cuyahoga County Council meeting on September 25, 2018. While the testimony below is representative of Susan… more »

Tags: ACLU of Ohio, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, LGBT Rights, Nondiscrimination, Transgender Rights
08.16.18

Setting the Record Straight on the First Amendment

By Jocelyn Rosnick

The First Amendment is 45 words. 45 powerful words. But do you know what the First Amendment does and does not protect in the realm of online content, especially on social media? It might not protect what you think it does. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free… more »
08.09.18

Letter to the Editor: Sexting Reform Should not be Legislative Priority

By Gary Daniels

Originally published in the Youngstown Vindicator. It was very unfortunate to read The Vindicator editorial (“Ohio Senate Should Act to Approve Sexting Bill,” July 23, 2018) pushing Ohio’s juvenile sexting bill, as that opinion mirrors the same misguided, counterproductive thinking continually coming from our Statehouse. It is true prosecutors may, if they so wish, charge… more »
07.11.18

Equality v. Equity: How the Fourteenth Amendment Can Help the ACLU Defend the First

By Lydia Ghuman

The ACLU and the First Amendment: a controversial duo. For the last century, the ACLU has been applauded for its interpretation and application of the First Amendment. One notable case is famous Scopes Trial, where the organization helped challenged and take down a Tennessee law banning the teaching of evolution in public schools. At the… more »
07.05.18

“How Did We Get Here?” An Historical Reconciliation

By Ashley Braxton

To usher in the summer of 2018, the state of Ohio distinguished itself in vigorously enforcing the Trump Administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy, and the detention of families. In the first week of June, 114 people were captured at Corso’s Flower and Gardening Center in Sandusky. In the third week of June, 146 people were… more »

Tags: criminal justice, mass incarceration, Racial Justice
06.27.18

WHY WE CAN’T STAY SILENT.

By Robin A. Wright

I will never forget the day my son was born. I knew the moment I first held him that there was nothing I wouldn’t do to keep him safe and ensure he had the best possible life. This instinctual drive to protect and nurture our children is shared by mothers and fathers everywhere. It is… more »
06.14.18

Young Americans Support Abortion Rights, Ohio Legislators Couldn’t Care Less

By Caitlin Hill

Recently, the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), a nonpartisan, independent research organization, released a poll that shows younger Americans are more supportive of abortion rights than older Americans, and more importantly, that their views are becoming more supportive over time. But certain members of the Ohio Legislature do not seem to care about what young… more »

Tags: 20 week ban, Abortion, health care, Heartbeat Bill, six week ban, Women's Rights
06.13.18

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan’s Letter to DHS Regarding Sandusky ICE Raid

By ACLU of Ohio Staff

On Tuesday, June 5, 2018, over 200 ICE agents descended upon agriculture businesses in Sandusky and Castalia, Ohio. They arrested 114 workers and loaded them onto buses bound for detention facilities in Youngstown, Ohio and Battle Creek, Michigan. On Friday, June 8, the ACLU of Ohio called on our supporters to urge U.S. Senators Sherrod… more »
05.30.18

Employee Spotlight: Emma Keeshin

By Celina Coming

Get to know the ACLU of Ohio team by checking out our Employee Spotlight blogs! You may know that Emma is from the beautiful state of Vermont, that she loves to dance, and that she is an alumna of Oberlin College, but today we found out some new fun facts! Read on for more information.… more »

Tags: Employee Spotlight