Press Releases

The American Civil Liberties Union has media staff available to handle inquiries from journalists on issues affecting civil liberties, including questions on legislative matters that touch on civil liberties and constitutional freedoms and inquiries related to ACLU lawsuits. Reporters with questions about ACLU work, please contact media@aclum.org.

Aug 23, 2022

ACLU, Boston Public Library launch voter education series on sheriffs, district attorneys

Through this partnership with the Boston Public Library and our public education campaigns, we want voters to know: Our key civil liberties are on the ballot this fall, and we must all make our voices heard at the ballot box.
Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform
Aug 19, 2022

ICE Admits to Practice of Deleting Texts of Senior Officials

In court filings submitted Thursday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) admitted that, during the Trump administration, ICE instructed officials to wipe their own agency-issued cell phones once they departed the agency.
Issue Areas: Government Transparency
Aug 09, 2022

“Know Your Sheriff” campaign publishes candidate questionnaires in Get-Out-the-Vote efforts

About one month before Massachusetts’ primary election, the “Know Your Sheriff” campaign—a statewide voter education initiative launched by the ACLU of Massachusetts—has published questionnaire responses from sheriff candidates and incumbents.
Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform
Aug 05, 2022

Open government advocates decry Gov. Baker’s veto of remote access funds

Governor Baker yesterday vetoed $30 million in the general government infrastructure bond bill (H.5065) that the Legislature had authorized for grants to expand remote and hybrid access to public meetings in municipalities throughout Massachusetts.
Issue Areas: Government Transparency
Jul 29, 2022

Dozen recommendations from Beyond Roe Agenda signed into law this week

As extremist politicians in other states move to ban or severely restrict abortion, Massachusetts lawmakers have stepped up to meet the moment and lead in the other direction, passing a historic law that makes care more affordable and available.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom
Jul 25, 2022

Beyond Roe Coalition applauds abortion protections in conference report, urges Baker to swiftly sign them into law

Our legislature has worked relentlessly to make Massachusetts a beacon for people who need and provide abortion care. When it lands on his desk, Governor Baker should promptly sign this bill into law.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom
Jul 21, 2022

Massachusetts House of Representatives advances face surveillance reforms

The Massachusetts House of Representatives today accepted recommendations from the Special Commission to Evaluate Government Use of Facial Recognition Technology in the Commonwealth, voting with strong bipartisan support to pass a set of reforms to strengthen existing law. Amendment #14 to H.5046...
Issue Areas: Privacy and Surveillance
Jul 18, 2022

ACLU of Massachusetts announces new board leadership

The ACLU of Massachusetts is pleased to announce the election of nine new Board and Foundation directors, representing leadership from top law firms, academia, philanthropy, and more. 
Jul 15, 2022

Massachusetts legislature extends remote access to public meetings

The Massachusetts legislature has extended the option for public bodies subject to the Open Meeting Law to continue conducting meetings virtually, with remote access for members of the public. The option to hold virtual public meetings was set to expire statewide today.
Issue Areas: Government Transparency