News & Commentary

Too often, reproductive issues are discussed only in sound bites and talking points, on posters and in slogans. The ACLU of Illinois is working to change that.

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Last week was a good week for people with mental illness in Illinois. On Thursday, a federal judge granted preliminary approval for an historic agreement between the State of Illinois and thousands of people with psychiatric disabilities represented by a number of advocacy groups and a private law firm - led, in this case, by the ACLU of Illinois - that will give thousands of people with mental illness an opportunity, if they choose, to move out of large, private nursing homes and into community-based settings. This agreement marks a sea change in Illinois state policy - which for far too long has relied on troubled, sometimes dangerous nursing homes to serve people with mental illness.

ACLU of Illinois Associate Legal Director Ben Wolf was recently honored by The Youth Campus for his work on behalf of children in Illinois' child welfare system. As part of the program, they interviewed Ben about his work for children in Illinois.

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On behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, I mark with sadness the recent passing of our friend and our inspiration, Burt Joseph. The simple recitation of Burt's activities on behalf of our beloved Constitution - both for the ACLU and for other organizations - does not adequately capture the impact Burt had on the effort to protect civil liberties in the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois or across the nation.