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.

ACLU demands the release from detention facilities of communities vulnerable to COVID-19

All aspects of the criminal legal system—from policing and pretrial through sentencing, confinement, and release—must be modified to combat the COVID-19 public health crisis.

ACLU, family sue for wrongful death of Madelyn Linsenmeir

There is no excuse for Madelyn Linsenmeir’s mistreatment and subsequent death in state custody. Police are accountable for the safety, health, and well-being of all people in custody.

MA Department of Correction to provide medication for addiction treatment, in ACLU victory

In an ACLU victory, the DOC has agreed to provide three people their prescribed medication for continued treatment of their opioid use disorder throughout their incarceration.

People in prison are denied medication for addiction treatment

Despite medical consensus that medication for addiction treatment is the standard care for opioid use disorder, the Massachusetts Department of Correction has a compulsory-withdrawal policy.

Report shows more than 24k wrongful convictions dismissed in drug lab scandal

Final tally reveals tens of thousands of wrongful convictions have been dismissed in Amherst drug lab scandal.

We are suing Boston for information about “Operation Clean Sweep”

The ACLU of Massachusetts is suing the City of Boston for answers following recent police action against people experiencing homelessness or substance use disorders.

Court should drop the case against "Straight Pride Parade" counter-protester

A Boston judge refused to dismiss cases against demonstrators, even after prosecutors tried to drop the charges. That's not a judge's call to make.

New England jails should provide medication-assisted treatment

The ACLU is calling on New England jails to ensure people with opioid use disorder have access to life-saving treatment behind bars.

Federal prison to provide medication for addiction treatment to Massachusetts woman

A final resolution filed in an ACLU of Massachusetts lawsuit marks a first-of-its-kind victory.
Court Cases: DiPierro v. Hurwitz