Press Releases

If you are a member of the media and wish to speak to a representative of the ACLU of Virginia, please call 804.644.8080 or email press@acluva.org. If you are a member of the media and wish to receive ACLU of Virginia media releases, please send your name, the outlet for which you work, your email address, and phone number to press@acluva.org with the subject line “Media Release Distribution.”

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ACLU-VA Statement on Senate Action on Right to Vote Amendment

The following statement can be attributed to Claire Gastañaga, executive director of the ACLU of Virginia:

February 5, 2021

ACLU Statement on Virginia Senate Passage of Death Penalty Repeal Bill

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia State Senate passed Senate Bill 1165, a death penalty repeal bill, this afternoon. The House Committee on Courts of Justice also voted to advance the bill this morning. The bill is expected to advance quickly to a full vote in the house.

February 3, 2021

ACLU-VA Joined Group to Support Independent Prison Oversight

The ACLU of Virginia joined a group of criminal legal reform organizations to send a letter to the Virginia House of Delegates' Appropriations Committee regarding Del. Patrick Hope's HB 2325, which would create independent oversight of the Virginia Department of Corrections (VDOC).

February 1, 2021

Court Fails to Hold Richmond Police Accountable for Violence against Protesters

The court dismissed the lawsuit to hold police accountable for violating protesters' rights, denying the protesters a trial on this matter.

January 21, 2021

Salvadoran Man Who Spent Years in Solitary Because He Didn’t Speak English Settles Case with Virginia Department of Corrections

Under the agreement, VDOC will adopt a comprehensive, department-wide policy to provide access to interpretation and translation services for people incarcerated in its facilities. In addition, the settlement provides relief for the plaintiff, Nicolas Reyes.

January 19, 2021

ACLU-VA and Partners to Gov. Northam: Automatic restoration of rights is not racial justice

Today, the ACLU of Virginia, the League of Women Voters of Virginia, the Williamsburg League of Women Voters, NoLefturns, Bridging the Gap Virginia, Neighborhood Law Center, Inc, and the Institute of Forgiveness sent the Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam a letter asking him to support

January 14, 2021