ACLU of Michigan

Your help is needed to stop H.R. 9495, federal legislation that potentially poses a grave threat to nonprofit organizations like the ACLU and many others. H.R. 9495 would hand the executive branch the power to curb free speech, censor nonprofit media outlets, target political opponents, and punish groups they disfavored across the political spectrum. Contact your congressperson now and tell them to vote against H.R. 9495.

Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the memories of those who were killed by acts of anti-trans violence. #TDOR

The direct descendant of two great tribal leaders, Melissa Isaac has kept that legacy in mind as she forges her own path as an educator and Native American activist. As part of our Native American Heritage Month celebration, we connected with her for a wide-ranging Q&A. Melissa Isaac was recently elected to the Mount Pleasant School Board this election. Earlier this year, she discovered that her and other people living on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Indian Reservation were mistakenly being prohibited from actually voting for board members presiding over the school district their children attend, instead being told, wrongly, they had to vote in a neighboring district’s elections. Read the spotlight here: https://lnkd.in/g4rMznCp

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit has just upheld a jury decision requiring the city of Detroit to pay $150,000 to African-American police officer Johnny Strickland. Strickland was handcuffed, harassed, and humiliated by fellow Detroit Police Department officers in 2017 after he accidentally arrived at an unmarked, unsecured crime scene, and was later suspended after he filed a race discrimination complaint over the abuse. Represented by the ACLU of Michigan, Sgt. Strickland previously had this to say about the traumatic incident, and why he sued: “If I, as a veteran police officer, so easily became the victim of police misconduct by my own colleagues, the average citizen doesn’t have a chance. I hope that my actions will encourage other Black officers to stand up for what's right, staying quiet only makes things worse.”? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gMrrTxNi

Please join us in congratulating?Miriam?Aukerman?for being selected as one of?Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Leaders in the Law" for 2024!? This remarkable recognition reflects?Miriam's?commitment to the relentless pursuit of justice on behalf?of ACLU of Michigan clients. Miriam's success embodies the very best of who we are and what we aim to achieve.

We love seeing our democracy in action! ? And now that Election Day is here, if you haven’t yet cast your ballot, we’re here to remind you how, and to urge you to fill out your full ballot, including down ballot races and the nonpartisan section! ? HOW TO VOTE: ? In Person:? Polls are open TODAY from 7am-8pm. Confirm your polling place at mi.gov/vote.? If you are in line at 8pm, you can still vote so stay in line! ? Remember, don’t wear or bring?campaign- or candidate-related clothing, accessories, or signage – you will be asked to remove it.? If you need help or have any questions, call the election protection hotline at (866) OUR-VOTE.? Absentee:? You have until 8pm to return your absentee ballot! You can return it directly to your clerk OR at a secure ballot drop box.? Still need to register to vote? No problem – you can register until 8pm today. Simply visit your local clerk’s office and bring proof of residency. ? Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and it is strongest when we all make our voices heard.

JOINT STATEMENT - Ahead of Election Day, civic engagement organizations in Michigan released the following statement regarding the election, voter engagement efforts, and what comes after Election Day. https://lnkd.in/gWTkBwZ8

As we head into Election Day, we reflect on the days, weeks, and months spent to ensure that all eligible Michiganders can access the ballot box. This election marks the first presidential race since Proposal 2 expanded voting rights, giving voters more opportunities than ever to make their voices heard. This progress strengthens our democratic process and benefits us all. The stakes couldn’t be higher, but no matter the outcome, we’re ready to keep fighting for civil rights and civil liberties. We couldn’t be more grateful for your support. #Vote2024 #ProtectOurRights

Our team of over 200 volunteers has been working tirelessly to make sure Michiganders get out and vote! ?? With over 12,000 phone calls and 1 million texts sent, we’re fired up and ready to help YOU make your plan to vote. Whether it’s by mail, early in person, or on Election Day, let’s make our voices heard! ??? Vote on or before Tuesday, November 5th! #Vote2024 #MichiganVotes

Our Executive Director is fired up about Halloween, voting rights, and the Detroit Lions! ???? Watch her channel Coach Dan Campbell’s energy in a motivational speech that’s got us all fired up—for our team, our rights, and our community! Whether you’re tackling your ballot early, absentee, or planning to vote on November 5, make sure to flip that ballot over and vote the full ticket. Let’s make every vote count, Michigan! ?? #Vote2024 #DetroitLions #MichiganVotes #FlipTheBallot