Commentary

04.09.18

Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A Hero. An Icon. A Dissenter

By Sarah Ingles

“I dissent” is the legal battle cry tearing apart majority opinions and explaining why the court should have ruled differently. Numerous Supreme Court Justices have written these words, but few have done so as movingly as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, popularly known as the “Notorious RBG.” Her resonating, dissenting opinions identify key aspects where the… more »

Tags: ACLU of Ohio, U.S. Supreme Court, Women's Rights
04.09.18

Our Position on State Issue 1 – FAQ

By Mike Brickner

The ACLU of Ohio neither supports nor opposes Issue 1. As discussed below, although Issue 1 has some features that could improve redistricting in our state, we believe that it does not provide comprehensive reform and could open the door for future partisan manipulation. What is Issue 1? Issue 1 on the May 2018 ballot… more »

Tags: elections, Gerrymandering
03.30.18

Transgender Day of Visibility 2018

By Catalleya Storm

In 2009, the Transgender Day of Visibility was created by transgender activist Rachel Crandall-Crocker, who saw a gap in the celebration of transgender individuals among the holidays celebrating LGBTQ+ people. The only day representing transgender individuals back then was the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is celebrated on November 20. This day is usually reserved… more »

Tags: ACLU of Ohio, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, LGBT Rights, Nondiscrimination, Transgender Rights
03.20.18

Employee Spotlight: Sri Thakkilapati

By Celina Coming

Get to know the ACLU of Ohio team by checking out our Employee Spotlight blogs! You may know that Sri once taught sociology at Ohio State University, or that she serves on the Board of Directors for Women Have Options, but today we found out some new fun facts! Read on for more information. … more »

Tags: Employee Spotlight
03.19.18

We’re Seeing Growing Support for Bail Reform in Cuyahoga County

By Caitlin Hill

This morning the ACLU of Ohio delivered hundreds of petitions to Judge John J. Russo from residents in Northeast Ohio who support expedited bail reform policies in Cuyahoga County. The petition delivery followed the release of a report from the Cuyahoga County task force on bail, which was released on Friday, March 16. This 22… more »

Tags: criminal justice, mass incarceration, Racial Justice
03.16.18

A Dedication to Our Dear Departed Friend and Colleague, Adrienne Gavula

By Ann Ruege

On Saturday, February 24, friends and family of Adrienne Gavula gathered in our Columbus office for the dedication of the “Adrienne Gavula Community Room.” The event began with people sharing their stories to celebrate the legacy of our former Development Director who passed away unexpectedly on September 2, 2017. Adrienne’s leadership, strength, and lifelong dedication… more »

Tags: Women's Rights
03.14.18

Sunshine Week and the Importance of Government Transparency

By Gary Daniels

Photo: Supreme Court of Ohio Once again, Sunshine Week has arrived. This is the week advocates, activists, academics, the news media, and others call attention to the importance of laws that keep government records and official meetings open to the public. You are forgiven if you were previously unaware of Sunshine Week. After all, you… more »

Tags: open government
03.09.18

Opinion: The Students are Right — Taking Action on Gun Violence Does Not Violate the Second Amendment

By Howard Simon and Kirk Bailey

*This piece originally appeared in the Sun Sentinel on March 2, 2018 and was written by the ACLU of Florida’s Executive Director, Howard Simon and Political Director Kirk Bailey.* After the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the world wept “not again,” routine talking points were dusted off, and thoughts and prayers rolled in.… more »
03.08.18

Happy International Women’s Day!

By Ann Ruege

International Women’s Day is Thursday, March 8th and it is celebrated by people all over the world. It is a day with a global focus on equality and celebration. The history of this day dates back to the early 1900’s when women in New York City protested against long hours, low wages, and fought for… more »
03.05.18

To Be Obedient, or To Be Disobedient, That Is The Question

By Emma Keeshin

One of the most important rights we have in our democracy is the right to speak out on issues we care about. After 17 high school students and teachers were killed in Parkland, Florida on February 14, gun regulation quickly became one of the most discussed issues in the public sphere, and many students around… more »

Tags: Civil disobedience