Press Releases

ACLU-VA Submits Comment to Oppose the Proposed 2022 Model Policies on the Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students in Virginia’s Public Schools

On September 29, 2022, the ACLU of Virginia added its voice to over 50,000 comments opposing the proposed model policies for transgender and nonbinary students.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

Virginia Judge Rejects Obscenity Proceedings Against Gender Queer and A Court of Mist and Fury

On August 30, 2022, a judge rejected an effort to label two books as obscene and illegal to sell or lend in the state of Virginia. “The First Amendment protects literary expression, even when some people find portions of the works difficult or objectionable," said Matt Callahan.
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights

Amy Woolard Joins ACLU of Virginia as Chief Program Officer

Amy Woolard has joined the ACLU of Virginia (ACLUVA) as the newly created Chief Program Officer. The CPO will provide oversight and guidance to the ACLUVA’s legal, policy, and community organizing programs, serving as the conductor, director, and facilitator of its programmatic work.

ACLU of Virginia Challenges Rollback of Earned Sentence Credit Program

The ACLU-VA challenges the continued incarceration of Antoine Anderson and demands his immediate release. Mr. Anderson and hundreds of other incarcerated people who earned sentence reductions through good behavior were told at the last minute that their promised release would not be honored.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Organizations Advocating for Virginia LGBTQ+ Youth Respond to Hanover County School Board’s Proposed Restroom and Locker Room Policy

Hanover fails at every turn to create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all of its students by proposing a policy that would place an undue burden on trans students to "earn" the right to use public school facilities.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

ACLU-VA's Comment Opposing Classroom Censorship Model Policies

The ACLU-VA  opposes the VDOE's proposed model policies that will only exacerbate an alarming trend toward classroom censorship, all while denying students the opportunity to be inspired by stories of people from all walks of life trying to live authentically in school curriculum.

ACLU of Virginia files Amicus Brief in Vlaming vs. West Point School Board Case

The ACLU of Virginia filed an amicus brief in support of West Point School Board against a teacher who refused to call a trans student by the correct pronouns. It's the teacher's job to provide an inclusive environment for all students. Free speech is not an excuse to discriminate.

ACLU-VA Statement on the Overturn of Roe v. Wade

We will never stop working to ensure that Virginia remains a place where women and people who can become pregnant are empowered to make choices for their lives and determine their own futures. Now is the time for Virginians to join together and fight. We’re not giving up – we're just getting started

ACLU-VA Statement on Gov. Youngkin's 2022 Budget Amendments

On his inauguration day, Gov. Youngkin said that he would serve all Virginians. Yet, his actions continue to tell a different story.  
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform