Blog Posts

As the leading civil rights and civil liberties organization in the Land of Lincoln, the ACLU of Illinois works constantly to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do in the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than an informed and engaged public citizenry. Knowledge is power. 

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Jan 24, 2023

Black and Brown Chicagoans Testify in Court About Police Harassment, Violent Home Raids, and Harm to People with Disabilities

Police Practices and Racial Justice

Dozens of Chicagoans—mostly Black and brown people—gave searing public testimony in court about terrifying and degrading experiences with Chicago police before the federal judge who oversees the Chicago...

Dozens of Chicagoans—mostly Black and brown people—gave searing public testimony in court about terrifying and degrading experiences with Chicago police before the federal judge who oversees the Chicago...

On left b/w image of podium, in the rest of the image a light blue/red filtered image of a protest with a protestor holding a sign "WE NEED ACCOUNTABILITY" and buildings behind them.
On left b/w image of podium, in the rest of the image a light blue/red filtered image of a protest with a protestor holding a sign "WE NEED ACCOUNTABILITY" and buildings behind them.
Jan 11, 2023

2022 Carry Over Session Recap

Find out more about some of our initiatives that passed during the carry over session.

Find out more about some of our initiatives that passed during the carry over session.

Gray background. Black and white Springfield capitol building. On the right in front of a pink geometric shape is a hand holding a "my name is" name card, with a form behind it. On the left is a navy geometric shape, clipboard and stethoscope
Gray background. Black and white Springfield capitol building. On the right in front of a pink geometric shape is a hand holding a "my name is" name card, with a form behind it. On the left is a navy geometric shape, clipboard and stethoscope
Dec 15, 2022

2022 In Review

In 2022, because of the commitment of supporters and activists like you, the courage of our clients, the work our dedicated staff, and the on the ground efforts of our partners the ACLU of Illinois...

In 2022, because of the commitment of supporters and activists like you, the courage of our clients, the work our dedicated staff, and the on the ground efforts of our partners the ACLU of Illinois...

Yellow background. Blue filtered megaphone. Navy blue text "2022 Review" with navy and red ACLU-IL logo underneath.
Yellow background. Blue filtered megaphone. Navy blue text "2022 Review" with navy and red ACLU-IL logo underneath.
Dec 1, 2022

Talking Points for the Dinner Table

Current events are hot discussion topics at many holiday tables. If you want to jump start a conversation about civil liberties, please keep reading for talking points about the ACLU’s most urgent work.

Current events are hot discussion topics at many holiday tables. If you want to jump start a conversation about civil liberties, please keep reading for talking points about the ACLU’s most urgent work.

Beige background with white talking bubbles. Dark green text with a light green offset outline: "Talking Points". Angled mustard yellow rectangle with dark green text "FOR THE DINNER TABLE"
Beige background with white talking bubbles. Dark green text with a light green offset outline: "Talking Points". Angled mustard yellow rectangle with dark green text "FOR THE DINNER TABLE"
Nov 30, 2022

Take Action During Veto Session

This week Illinois legislators are back in Springfield. We need you to take action on this important legislation. 

This week Illinois legislators are back in Springfield. We need you to take action on this important legislation. 

Dark gray background with a black and white image of the IlL capitol building. On the left is a light green geometric shape with a bw gavel and bw handcuffs. On the left is a teal geometric shape with bw hands holing in front of white jail cells
Dark gray background with a black and white image of the IlL capitol building. On the left is a light green geometric shape with a bw gavel and bw handcuffs. On the left is a teal geometric shape with bw hands holing in front of white jail cells
Nov 2, 2022

The War on Drugs Has Failed

Criminal Justice Reform

The War on Drugs has failed and everyone knows it. 79% of Illinois voters support reclassifying sentences for all drug offenses. Yet Illinois continues to treat simple possession of drugs as a felony, with...

The War on Drugs has failed and everyone knows it. 79% of Illinois voters support reclassifying sentences for all drug offenses. Yet Illinois continues to treat simple possession of drugs as a felony, with...

Teal and blue helping hands in front of jail bars. "Reducing Barriers to Recovery" in white text centered in front
Teal and blue helping hands in front of jail bars. "Reducing Barriers to Recovery" in white text centered in front