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.

Apr 3, 2025

Court hears arguments on the unconstitutional ICE detention of Rümeysa Öztürk

Members of Rümeysa Öztürk’s legal team argued before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in Boston that Ms. Öztürk’s challenge to her unlawful detention and attempted deportation.
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Expression, Immigrants' Rights
Court Cases: Öztürk v. Trump
Mar 28, 2025

In New Filing, Rümeysa Öztürk Urges Court to Protect Her Rights, Release Her

Grabbing someone off the streets, stripping them of their student visa, and detaining them solely based on political viewpoint is an affront to everyone's constitutional rights.
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Expression, Immigrants' Rights
Court Cases: Öztürk v. Trump
Mar 12, 2025

Doctors Challenge Removal of Their Patient Safety Research from Federal Website

This is an intentional erasure of knowledge, an attack on the integrity of scientific research, and an affront to the public’s need for accurate, adequate health information.
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Expression
Court Cases: Schiff v. Office of Personnel Management
Mar 6, 2025

ACLU and NEA Sue U.S. Department of Education Over Unlawful Attack on Educational Equity

This is a blatant attack on free speech and academic freedom, aiming to deprive students of a full and honest education.
Issue Areas: Racial Justice, Free Speech and Expression
Dec 18, 2024

ACLU of Massachusetts urges colleges, universities to defend free expression on campus

The letter follows an ACLU analysis of student speech policies after several colleges changed their policies in the wake of student protests regarding Palestine and Israel, and comes before the new presidential administration.
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Expression
May 8, 2024

ACLU of Massachusetts statement on arrests of UMass Amherst demonstrators

Last night in Amherst, and events on campuses across the country, make clear: When universities choose to involve police in nonviolent demonstrations, it escalates tensions and creates safety risks for all.
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Expression
Apr 29, 2024

ACLU of Massachusetts letter to U.S. Department of Education: “Freedom from discrimination and freedom of expression can and must go hand in hand”

The letter urges OCR to remain true to its historical commitment to ensuring that Title VI is applied consistently with the First Amendment.
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Expression
Apr 27, 2024

ACLU of Massachusetts statement on arrests of demonstrators on Massachusetts campuses

Demonstrators at Northeastern University were arrested today, just days after student demonstrators were arrested at Emerson College.
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Expression
Apr 25, 2024

ACLU of Massachusetts statement on arrests of Emerson College demonstrators

Protest is a central part of Boston’s history, including political expression at local colleges and universities. There is a distinction between removing encampments to ensure safe access to a public right of way and using physical violence against students engaged in peaceful expression.
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Expression