Press Releases

ACLU-VA Calls for Special Legislative Session on Racism in Policing

The ACLU of Virginia and 27 advocacy organizations call for a special legislative session on police reform in Virginia.

Imposing Curfew in Richmond Should Not Be Done Lightly or As An Attempt to Shut Down Protests

Imposing a curfew on the City of Richmond is an extraordinary action that should not be done lightly or as an attempt to shut down unwanted protests.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

ACLU to  Argue Case of Gavin Grimm  in Appeals Court

The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Virginia will appear via videoconference before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday, May 26, at 9:30 a.m. ET for arguments on behalf of Gavin Grimm
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

ACLU-VA Reaches Settlement in COVID-19 Lawsuit Against VDOC On Behalf of 27 Individuals

The settlement agreement, which was approved by and can be enforced by the federal court, commits VDOC to review promptly those incarcerated individuals eligible for early release and sets up procedures for the Secretary of the Commonwealth to consider conditional pardons.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Federal Court Approves Partial Settlement in ACLU Voting Lawsuit Challenging Virginia’s Witness Requirement During COVID-19 Pandemic

A federal court today approved a partial settlement to remove Virginia’s witness requirement for voters who believe their health would be at risk due to COVID-19 if forced to comply.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights

ACLU Reaches Agreement in Federal Lawsuit to Remove Virginia Witness Requirement During COVID-19 Pandemic

Following a lawsuit brought by the ACLU and ACLU of Virginia, the state of Virginia has reached a partial settlement agreement to remove the state’s “witness requirement” for voters whose health would be at risk if forced to comply with the requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights

ACLU-VA Calls on Attorney General Mark Herring to Denounce Rise of Racist Attacks on Asian Americans Amid COVID-19

The ACLU of Virginia joined NAKASEC Virginia to send a letter Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring urging public responses to the increasing incidents of harassment, discrimination, and attacks on Asians in America amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Half-measures will cost lives.

Virginia COVID-19 Justice Coalition describes actions from the governor & General Assembly as inadequate.

ACLU of Virginia Takes Legal Actions To Curb COVID-19 Spread in Correctional Facilities

The ACLU of Virginia is taking legal actions against the Commonwealth of Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam, and state and local officials to ensure they are using their full authority to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in prisons, jails and correctional facilities and prevent more illnesses and deaths.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform