It was clear within weeks of the 2025 inauguration that there would be frequent and numerous attempts by the new administration to test the limits of the law and the powers of the president. The American Civil Liberties Union was prepared. When Project 2025 became public in 2022, the ACLU sprang into action. They began preparing legal actions to fight unlawful plans outlined in the document.
Somewhat ironically, the ACLU was formed shortly after World War I in response to the “Palmer Raids,” which were designed to root out communists. Raids were characterized by rounding up and deporting those accused of being “radicals” by then Attorney General Mitchell Palmer. Unfortunately, people were arrested without warrants or without regard to lawful search and seizure procedures. Detainees were treated cruelly and held in deplorable conditions. Sound familiar?
Today, the ACLU is a bulwark against egregious overreach of government officials who ignore the rule of law and the Constitution they vowed to uphold. ACLU fights to protect all of us by filing suit on behalf of individuals or groups when their rights are unfairly suppressed.
Closer to home, the ACLU of Texas focuses on the protection of the specific interests of Texans. Like the national organization, their activities include education, advocacy, and legal action. Litigation is one of their primary strategies to ensure preservation of equality and civil rights and may be the strongest tool Americans have at the moment.
Several months ago, an acquaintance suggested that contributing to their work might be the best civil action we could take to protect our rights. They’re devoted to the same principles that are important to me, but they have expertise that I don’t. I’ve chosen to support them financially each month.
The ACLU of Texas has filed several cases on the behalf of Texans in recent years. A small sampling is highlighted below:
- Jackson v. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: challenges the Texas Dept. of Family and Protective Services regarding reproductive freedom.
- JAV v. Trump: Both ACLU of Texas and the national ACLU filed to stop removals of individuals under the Alien Enemies Act and without due process.
- Rabbi Nathan v. Alamo Heights Independent School District: Challenges the Texas law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
- Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center et al v. Steven C. McCraw et al: Ongoing challenge of a 2023 anti-immigrant law allowing law enforcement to arrest and detain those suspected of entering Texas without federal authorization.
- Doe v. Abbott: Filed on behalf of a transgender child, her parents and a licensed psychologist against Gov. Abbott and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
In addition to their litigation actions, ACLU of Texas provides a wide range of educational materials that explain citizens’ rights in areas such as immigration, the Texas bail system, border patrol, school dress codes, and more. These resources are available free to students or policymakers.
The ACLU of Texas actively advocates for fair policies at the Texas border and immigrant rights, for free speech and pluralism, LGBTQIA+ equality, reproductive freedom, smart justice, voting rights, and more. Staff advocate directly with Texas lawmakers and keep the public informed about legislative action during and after active sessions. They also advocate through the arts, by hosting an artist-in-resident program and sponsoring arts exhibits.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has affiliates in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. You might want to check out the affiliate in your state to see what actions they’re taking to protect your rights and contribute if you can. I’m grateful for the service they provide all citizens and am proud to support them.
Janice Airhart 