ACLU

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) stands as a vital protector of individual rights and freedoms within the United States. Operating daily across courts, legislative bodies, and local communities, the ACLU is dedicated to upholding the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the nation. As a non-profit and non-partisan organization, the ACLU has evolved from a small group of civil liberties advocates in 1920 to a robust network of over 500,000 members and supporters. With offices spanning nearly every state, the ACLU manages approximately 6,000 court cases each year.

Funding for the ACLU is primarily derived from membership dues, individual contributions, and grants from private foundations. The organization maintains its independence by refusing government funding.

The ACLU's core areas of focus include safeguarding First Amendment rights, encompassing freedom of speech, association, assembly, the press, and religion. They champion equal protection under the law, ensuring protection against unlawful discrimination. The ACLU also defends due process rights, guaranteeing fair treatment by the government in matters affecting liberty or property, and privacy rights, protecting individuals from unwarranted government intrusion. Furthermore, the ACLU actively works to expand rights for marginalized communities, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, prisoners, and people with disabilities.