Press Releases

Class action settlement releases multiple immigrants from ICE custody and establishes procedure for releasing dozens more

“If you win your immigration case in Virginia, ICE is supposed to let you go – but instead, it’s been unlawfully detaining dozens of people for months in violation of its own policies,” said ACLU of Virginia Attorney Sophia Gregg.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights

Liberty University sued for firing Ellenor Zinski for being transgender

“No one should be fired because of who they are – but Liberty University made it clear that’s exactly why it fired Ellenor,” said ACLU of Virginia Senior Transgender Rights Attorney Wyatt Rolla.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

York County Circuit Court allows Virginia Department of Education’s anti-trans model policies to evade scrutiny

“The Virginia Department of Education didn’t want to defend its anti-trans model policies in a court of law because it knew they can’t stand up to scrutiny," said ACLU of Virginia Senior Transgender Attorney Wyatt Rolla.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

Virginia’s leaders should focus on making Virginia schools safe for students of all gender identities

“It’s the job of adults to put kids first, and the job of public schools everywhere to affirm their students," said ACLU of Virginia Policy and Legislative Counsel Breanna Diaz.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

Transgender athlete banned from playing sports in Hanover County Public Schools files Title IX lawsuit

“By bullying a transgender young person in its district, Hanover County Public Schools are depriving our client of opportunities every public school student should have," said ACLU of Virginia Senior Transgender Attorney Wyatt Rolla.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

Virginia’s new budget finally incentivizes hard work in prison after Youngkin administration delay

"People who have worked hard, learned new skills, and followed the rules to earn their release should get it,” said ACLU of Virginia Policy Director Chris Kaiser.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Federal law still requires Virginia schools to protect transgender students

“This week’s ruling does not change binding Fourth Circuit law under Gavin Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board that makes clear discrimination against transgender students – such as denying restroom access - violates Title IX," said ACLU-VA Senior Trans Rights Attorney Wyatt Rolla.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

Settlement reached in National Federation of the Blind of Virginia v. Virginia Department of Corrections

"Under the settlement, the parties agree incarcerated plaintiffs, as well as other blind and visually impaired people, will have equal access to the communications, programs, and services offered to sighted people in prison."
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Gov. Youngkin's veto of Right to Contraception Act reinforces need for reproductive freedom state constitutional amendment

“Actions like these are why it’s important that Virginia adopt a state constitutional amendment protecting the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which includes abortion and contraception,” said Breanna Diaz, ACLU of Virginia Policy and Legislative Counsel.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Rights