04.15.15
A Legacy of Volunteers Defending Freedom
By Kimberly Millhoan
Fighting for civil liberties is no simple task. In fact, it takes an army. It’s through the tireless efforts and contributions of volunteers throughout the past century that the ACLU has become the strong force it is today. The ACLU of Ohio benefits from hundreds of volunteers from various walks of life. Their involvement ranges… more »
Tags: volunteer
04.13.15
“Online For All” Makes All the Sense in the World
By Fred Ross
This is the first article in the “Online for All” series. Democracy will not thrive without recognizing the fundamental rights of all people. When it comes to voter registration, without undue difficulty, that’s especially true. Making this process workable for all requires taking action on behalf of those facing obstacles. “Online For All” is a… more »
04.10.15
Is Being Alone Bad For You?
By Adrienne Gavula
Putting people in isolation is devastating and makes recovery next to impossible. If you didn’t have a mental illness going into isolation, it’s likely you will have one coming out. Research shows that prolonged solitary causes a persistent and heightened state of anxiety, nervousness, headaches, insomnia, nightmares, and confused thought processes. “Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. I… more »
04.08.15
Families Matter: Prison Phone Calls for Less Profit
By Shakyra Diaz
Imagine that your child is hundreds of miles away and having to ignore their phone calls because you can’t afford to pay the bill. Imagine not being able to wish your father or mother a happy birthday. Imagine not being able to give your condolences following the death of a cousin. The rejection you subjected… more »
04.06.15
Gay IS NOT the New Black
By Steve David
Discrimination hurts people. It’s wrong for someone to look at you, your significant other or you family and say, “We won’t serve you here.” With the recent passage of Indiana’s RFRA (Religious Freedom Restoration Act), people are right to be outraged. Many have looked to past injustices to highlight the harms of discrimination based solely… more »
04.03.15
Ohio’s Voting Record: Ready to Strike Out or Hit a Grand Slam?
By Fred Ross
It’s indisputable that voting is critical for Ohioans. We strive to make our communities a better place to live and to ensure that our democracy works for everyone. However, to do this, all our votes are crucial—for Ohio and the entire nation. Solid Base Hits Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted knows how important voting… more »
04.01.15
Obergefell v. Hodges: What’s Wrong With the State’s Argument?
By ACLU of Ohio Legal Staff
Ohio has urged U.S. Supreme Court justices to reject marriage equality by deferring to the “democratic process” that resulted in Ohio’s 2004 bans on the licensing and recognition of same-sex couples’ marriages. In the brief filed last week, Ohio Attorney General Michael DeWine also reframed the litigation before the Court as a debate over “social… more »
03.30.15
In Vogue: Religious “Freedom” as Discrimination
By Lisa Wurm
The ACLU knows a few things about true religious freedom. We’ve been fighting for it since our founding in 1920. Religion and our freedom to exercise (or not to exercise) it is an important part of what makes us Americans and we’ll continue to ensure all people have these rights. Where we must draw the… more »
03.28.15
March Madness (or Not Registering to Vote)
By Lauren Lynch-Novakovic
Time and time again voters profess their wavering loyalty to the ballot and only show up in large numbers for presidential elections. Many people will pay more attention to the hustle and bustle of collegiate sports this month than the excitement of local politics, but this is when the real change occurs. From nationwide social… more »
03.25.15
What’s What in Ohio Prisons
By Adrienne Gavula
If you think the worst of the worst are the only people in prison, think again. Our addiction to incarceration has reached unprecedented levels. With only five percent of the world’s population, we have 25 percent of its prison population. Ohio is one of the top 10 prison states in the country and our prisons… more »