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.

May 16, 2024

Wrongful death lawsuit against Boston, four police officers can now proceed to trial

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the estate of Shayne Stilphen, who died of an overdose while in the custody of the Boston Police Department.
Issue Areas: Police Accountability
May 08, 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
May 06, 2024

ACLU applauds new landmark data privacy legislation

Without regulation like the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act, companies are incentivized to collect and manipulate unlimited quantities of personal data about all of us.
Issue Areas: Privacy and Surveillance
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
Apr 22, 2024

ACLU of Massachusetts statement on student demonstrations on college campuses

In a democracy, it’s essential that universities remain a marketplace of ideas and expression – where viewpoints are explored and debate is encouraged.
Issue Areas: Free Speech and Expression
Apr 04, 2024

Labor unions in Massachusetts join MA4OPC Coalition to support overdose prevention centers

The endorsing labor unions include 1199SEIU, SEIU Local 509, and CIR/SEIU — representing more than 100,000 Massachusetts health care workers, human service workers and educators, and interns and resident physicians.
Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform
Apr 03, 2024

ACLU of Massachusetts comment on Governor’s Council approval of Governor Healey’s blanket marijuana pardons

Tens of thousands of people in Massachusetts will now get a second chance, and will face fewer barriers to housing, jobs, education, student loans, and stability.
Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform