Blogs

ACLU of Oregon's work at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important — but there is no better defender of civil liberties and civil rights than an informed and engaged public. We see it as our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties.

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Apr 14, 2025

Writing an Op-Ed is not Grounds for Deportation

Immigrants' Rights
The U.S. government’s escalating attacks on noncitizens’ right to free speech, including our client Rümeysa Öztürk, should scare us all.
The U.S. government’s escalating attacks on noncitizens’ right to free speech, including our client Rümeysa Öztürk, should scare us all.
Rümeysa Öztürk headshot
Rümeysa Öztürk headshot
Apr 8, 2025

Letter to My Husband, Mahmoud Khalil

Free Speech
As she prepares to welcome her first child with husband Mahmoud Khalil, Dr. Noor Abdalla writes to her husband one month after he was unlawfully detained for exercising his free speech rights. 
As she prepares to welcome her first child with husband Mahmoud Khalil, Dr. Noor Abdalla writes to her husband one month after he was unlawfully detained for exercising his free speech rights. 
A photo of Mahmoud Khalil and Dr. Noor Abdalla.
A photo of Mahmoud Khalil and Dr. Noor Abdalla.
Apr 8, 2025

Death Row Case Exposes Failures to Protect Childhood Trauma Survivors

Death Penalty
Mikal Mahdi’s life was marked by abuse. Today, as he awaits execution, the courts have the responsibility to acknowledge the systemic failures that shaped his path.
Mikal Mahdi’s life was marked by abuse. Today, as he awaits execution, the courts have the responsibility to acknowledge the systemic failures that shaped his path.
Mikal Mahdi headshot wearing a white tee shirt.
Mikal Mahdi headshot wearing a white tee shirt.
Apr 7, 2025

We can resist fascists, and we can win!

Free Speech
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, millions of people across the United States took to our streets to protest for our democracy. An estimated 10,000 people showed up in downtown Portland, where ACLU of Oregon’s...
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, millions of people across the United States took to our streets to protest for our democracy. An estimated 10,000 people showed up in downtown Portland, where ACLU of Oregon’s...
Group of rally attendees at Portland Waterfront
Group of rally attendees at Portland Waterfront
Apr 7, 2025

I Should Not Have to Fight for Fair Treatment in the Workplace

Privacy & Technology
D.K., a Pawnee woman who is Deaf, was denied a promotion after being assessed through biased automated hiring technology.
D.K., a Pawnee woman who is Deaf, was denied a promotion after being assessed through biased automated hiring technology.
Software company Intuit logo seen displayed on a smartphone with an Artificial intelligence (AI) chip and symbol in the background.
Software company Intuit logo seen displayed on a smartphone with an Artificial intelligence (AI) chip and symbol in the background.
Apr 3, 2025

The Human Toll of Trump's Anti-Trans Crusade

LGBTQ+ Rights
President Donald Trump’s assault on transgender rights is a gross overreach of presidential power and yet another attempt to punish trans people just for existing.
President Donald Trump’s assault on transgender rights is a gross overreach of presidential power and yet another attempt to punish trans people just for existing.
Trans Rights, speakers, protesters, and supporters denounce the Trump Administration's persistent attacks on the transgender community. by carrying a huge sign reading" TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS".
Trans Rights, speakers, protesters, and supporters denounce the Trump Administration's persistent attacks on the transgender community. by carrying a huge sign reading" TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS".