Issues

Federal laws such as the Freedom of Information Act, and state laws like Ohio’s Public Records and Open Meetings acts, were designed to promote citizen involvement and government accountability. Transparency allows for increased public awareness of government functions and actions, a higher level of efficiency and accountability, and a deeper sense of trust between leadership and the community.

Racial Justice

In the decades since Jane Addams, Crystal Eastman, and Helen Keller worked with other civil libertarians to found the American Civil Liberties Union, the expansion of women’s rights has become a core part of the ACLU’s mission. Women have sought the right to control one’s own body, to have equal educational and economic opportunities, and to fair treatment under the criminal justice system.