News & Commentary

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.

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 page report detailed needed reforms to the county’s bail system, and the ACLU of Ohio fully supports these efforts. The task force, which is comprised of current and past members of the judiciary, law academics, and attorneys, recommended numerous reforms including:

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 are probably distracted by constant attacks on reproductive rights. Or perplexed by Ohio's ever-growing mass incarceration numbers. Perhaps voting and elections issues have you worried. Maybe your issue is police misconduct. Or you are concerned with the actions of your city council, mayor, or county commissioners. What is important to understand is the role of public records and open meetings in these issues and all others.

*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.*

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 the right to vote. In March 2011, President Barack Obama declared the month of March to be “Women’s History Month” so this day is part of a larger, month-long celebration of women.