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 31, 2023

Massachusetts for Overdose Prevention Centers recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day

Last year was the highest recorded year for opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts, with 2,357 lives lost.
Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform
Apr 14, 2023

Statement of the ACLU of Massachusetts on release of video footage of violent incident at Bristol County jail

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has released video footage of a May 2020 incident at a Bristol County jail that appears to show correctional officers using force against a group of civil immigration detainees.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights, Criminal Law Reform
Jan 31, 2023

Lawsuit against district attorney heads to Supreme Judicial Court

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court will hear a lawsuit seeking the investigation and disclosure of violence, false reporting, and other misconduct by the Springfield Police Department.
Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform, Police Accountability
Jan 29, 2023

Statement of the ACLU of Massachusetts on the death of Rep. Alice Wolf

Representative Wolf's persistence and courage on behalf of equal rights for all shaped our Commonwealth for the better.
Issue Areas: Economic Justice, LGBTQ Rights, Women's Rights, Criminal Law Reform
Dec 08, 2022

Wrongful death lawsuit proceeds against Boston police officers

A federal judge yesterday denied two individual officers’ motion to dismiss in a case brought by the ACLU of Massachusetts and Goodwin Procter LLP on behalf of the estate of Shayne Stilphen. As a result, the wrongful death lawsuit will now proceed against all defendants in the case, including...
Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform
Nov 09, 2022

“Know Your Sheriff” campaign boosts voter awareness, turnout

Voters delivered an unequivocal verdict last night: Massachusetts wants sheriffs who center public safety and justice by supporting individuals and strengthening communities.
Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform
Nov 01, 2022

ONE WEEK TO ELECTION DAY: “Know Your Sheriff” campaign drives get-out-the-vote efforts

With one week until Election Day, the ACLU of Massachusetts is continuing its efforts to encourage voters to make a plan to vote and to empower them to vote down ballot.  
Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform, Police Accountability
Oct 06, 2022

ACLU of Massachusetts statement on executive order pardoning people with federal convictions for simple marijuana possession

Because of this executive action, thousands of people haunted by a criminal conviction now have the possibility of fewer barriers to housing, employment, education, and stability.
Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform