Press Releases

ACLU-VA Asks Judge to Dismiss Defamation Lawsuit Intended to Silence Critics of Monument Protectionists

A defamation lawsuit against a University of Virginia professor who spoke out through the news media about local issues involving the history of slavery in Charlottesville and their relationship to Confederate monuments is frivolous and should be dismissed, said the ACLU of Virginia.
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights

ACLU-VA Reminds Correctional Facilities to Make Religious Accommodations in Light of Passover and Ramadan

As Passover and Ramadan are coming, the ACLU of Virginia sent letters to supervisors at all Virginia state prisons and local and regional jails to remind each facility manager of their legal obligation to accommodate inmates’ religious traditions.
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights

ACLU-VA Urges Henry County to Reconsider Panhandling Ban

Solicitation is constitutionally protected speech, and the broad provisions passed by the Board of Supervisors prohibiting solicitation would not withstand a legal challenge.
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights

Fairfax Judge Ruled in Our Favor Against Mass Surveillance of Virginia Drivers

A Fairfax judge ruled that use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) by the Fairfax County Police Department for passive surveillance not related to an authorized criminal investigation is illegal.
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights

ACLU-VA Lauds 4th Circuit Ruling Against Public Officials Blocking Constituents on Social Media Public Forums

The Fourth Circuit has sent a strong message to public officials and agencies in Virginia and other states in the circuit. You cannot ban speech you don’t like from social media accounts you use to talk about government business.
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights