News & Commentary

The exponential spread of COVID-19 has made one thing clear: America is jailing way too many people in substandard, dangerous conditions that are highly susceptible to outbreaks of contagious illnesses.

We are asking our community leaders and law enforcement to recognize, however, that now is the time to rethink how our jails and prisons are not effective ways to address the social and community ills of poverty and drug use.

In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic now spreading through America and across the Commonwealth, we have closed our physical office temporarily and are continuing our work remotely. 

In early January, Gov. Ralph Northam introduced his agenda, which included “marijuana decriminalization,” giving the illusion that Virginia is moving toward actual criminal legal reforms. Unfortunately, HB 972 would cause more harm to Black and brown people and criminalize youth,

The only way to stop the harm of marijuana laws against people of color is to repeal the prohibition on marijuana possession and use from the code completely.This is the first step in the right direction to eliminating racist drug enforcement.

By Valerie Slater, executive director, RISE for Youth

We look to Dr. King as a beacon of hope as we continue his work and the work of those who came before us to free all people from the shadows of oppression, so that all of us can breathe free and have a voice in our America.

On this Giving Tuesday, we at the ACLU of Virginia would like to say thank you. Thank you to each of our donors, members, partners, clients, and supporters. Thank you for your bravery, trust, and generosity. Each of you contributes to the impact we make and the forward progress we have created.

Being home with your loved ones during the holiday season should not be a privilege if you haven’t been convicted of a crime. Being treated with dignity and respect by the criminal legal system also should not be a privilege.