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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Sep 9, 2025

Open vs. Closed: The Battle for the Future of Language Models

Privacy & Technology
Will Language Models Foster Freedom or Authoritarianism? (part 4 in a series)
Will Language Models Foster Freedom or Authoritarianism? (part 4 in a series)
A view of the stacks of an open research library
A view of the stacks of an open research library
Sep 8, 2025

Revisiting the NEA Four: Free Speech Battles in the Arts

Free Speech
From the “decency” fights of the 1990s to today’s “gender ideology” rule, the NEA’s funding shifts are sidelining queer voices. The ACLU is pushing back to protect artists.
From the “decency” fights of the 1990s to today’s “gender ideology” rule, the NEA’s funding shifts are sidelining queer voices. The ACLU is pushing back to protect artists.
A photo of the the NEA Four at the supreme court.
A photo of the the NEA Four at the supreme court.
Sep 4, 2025

Lawmakers Can't Turn Classrooms Into Sunday Schools

Youth & Student Rights
From Arkansas to Oklahoma, politicians are pushing religion into public schools. The ACLU is fighting back to defend church-state separation and students’ rights.
From Arkansas to Oklahoma, politicians are pushing religion into public schools. The ACLU is fighting back to defend church-state separation and students’ rights.
Two street signs at an intersection on a pole reading Church St on one and State St on the other.
Two street signs at an intersection on a pole reading Church St on one and State St on the other.
Sep 3, 2025

Know Your Rights in Encounters with Law Enforcement and Military Troops

The recent militarization of D.C. is a reminder of how quickly government power can expand. Our guide explains what to do if you’re stopped by police or troops.
The recent militarization of D.C. is a reminder of how quickly government power can expand. Our guide explains what to do if you’re stopped by police or troops.
A group of National Guard troops speaking to DC civilians.
A group of National Guard troops speaking to DC civilians.
Aug 27, 2025

When Border Patrol Came for Kern County

Immigrants' Rights
For the attorneys, organizers, and community members on the ground, the Kern County immigration raid was more than just a headline — it was a turning point in the fight to protect their neighbors from fear and...
For the attorneys, organizers, and community members on the ground, the Kern County immigration raid was more than just a headline — it was a turning point in the fight to protect their neighbors from fear and...
A demonstration sign that say "When Cruelty Becomes Normal, Compassion Looks Radical."
A demonstration sign that say "When Cruelty Becomes Normal, Compassion Looks Radical."
Aug 25, 2025

What's the Future of AI Language Models as a Decentralized Technology?

Privacy & Technology
Many assume that LLMs will always be provided by big tech companies through the cloud, but is that true? (LLMs and power series part 3)
Many assume that LLMs will always be provided by big tech companies through the cloud, but is that true? (LLMs and power series part 3)
Two fingers disconnecting a network cable from a computer
Two fingers disconnecting a network cable from a computer