ACLU of Wisconsin

09/14/2023

09/13/2023

Calls to impeach the newly-elected Supreme Court Justice are an attack on the will of voters and democracy.

Voters made their voices heard at the ballot box this past April, and it appears that some extremist politicians in the state legislature who are displeased with the results of our free and fair election are willing to abuse their legislative authority and effectively overturn the results.

Across the country, we are seeing increasingly authoritarian tactics being used to disenfranchise voters and delegitimize the electoral process – from baselessly ousting elected officials to election denialism to passing restrictions that make it harder to vote.

The attacks on democracy happening in Wisconsin should raise alarm bells for Americans everywhere.

Read our full statement here: https://www.aclu-wi.org/en/press-releases/aclu-wisconsin-calls-potential-impeachment-supreme-court-justice-attack-democracy.

09/12/2023

Last Friday was a wonderful day to volunteer alongside Black Leaders Organizing for Communities and Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful (KGMB) to clean up Lincoln Park!☀️🍃

09/11/2023

WHITNALL: Tell your school board to REJECT the anti-trans "Student Gender Identity" policy – being considered at 6:30pm TONIGHT – that would prohibit schools from calling students by the name that makes them feel safe and seen without authorization from parents.

The policy was manufactured by those who play on fear and ignorance about gender identity and who would risk the safety of trans students to advance their ideology. Young people have various reasons for delaying sharing aspects of their identities with their parents – some are not ready yet, while others may reasonably fear rejection, being kicked out of their homes, or psychological or physical abuse, which occurs far too often.

Schools should protect students, not out them.

The Whitnall School Board will be considering an anti-trans policy this Monday night. It is a "parental rights" policy, written and promoted by Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, that would prohibit schools from calling students by the name that makes them feel safe and seen, and makes it extremely easy for staff to out students to their families. If you are in the district please contact your school board and show up on Monday night if possible. If you are in the area consider showing up in solidarity for the students, families, and educators who are standing up in opposition to this policy that provides no flexibility to work with families and students when they aren't on the same page and no guardrails to ensure the safety of students.

09/10/2023

We must end private companies and governments profiting from the economic exploitation of incarcerated people.

aclu.org/news/human-rights/captive-labor-exploitation-of-incarcerated-workers

09/09/2023

Attention Milwaukee area high school students!📣 Are you interested in learning more about voting rights, organizing, and advocating for your community & your future? Join us for a film & conversation featuring "The Young Vote."🎬🗳️ Register today! aclu-wi.org/en/events/film-conversation-young-vote

Disclaimer: This educational event is hosted by the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation, a non-partisan 501(c)3 organization that does not engage in political activity. This event aims to provide students with an educational opportunity focusing on exercising the right to vote and the power of young people in democracy. We encourage the youth to vote but not vote for a particular candidate, as each attendee will make that choice on their own.

Are you a high school student interested in learning more about voting rights, advocating for yourself, your community, and your future? Are you interested in better understanding the power young people have in making their voice heard through civic engagement?The Young Vote is a story about unleash...

09/08/2023

Earlier this year – in one of the highest turnout spring elections in state history – Wisconsinites headed to the polls and resoundingly elected a new State Supreme Court justice.

The results of a free and fair election should always be respected.

The freedom to elect our leaders is a fundamental right. We deserve a government that reflects the voice of the people.

Republicans in Wisconsin have floated impeaching a newly seated liberal State Supreme Court justice who is threatening conservatives’ grip on state politics.

09/07/2023

We all deserve the freedom to be who we are. But over the last several years, LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites have been subjected to a nationwide, coordinated attack on their identities and lives. These attacks have been waged across several different arenas – in the streets, courts, mass media, schools, and statehouses across the country.

As the tide of hate rises, so do we. We will never stop fighting until LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites enjoy the same freedoms as everyone else.

Even armed N***s chanting "Blood! Blood! Blood!" and church groups shouting at children's story time have failed to drive LGBTQ+ members underground.

09/06/2023

FRIDAY: Volunteer with us at our Lincoln Park cleanup! https://action.aclu.org/webform/wi-summer-volunteer

Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful (KGMB)

09/05/2023

After sending a letter about books on gender and sexuality they want banned, an anonymous group of residents in Iron River, WI are meeting tomorrow to consider "petitions to remove books and seek board resignations" and examine "whether to set up a parental advisory board, halt budget increases for the library, enact a 'Town Decency Act,' and inform donors of the library's policies."

The ACLU provides actions and tactics to combat in your community at aclu.org/rtl-resources.

Read more about what's happening in Iron River: https://www.wpr.org/banned-books-nationwide-wisconsin-libraries-see-efforts-remove-library

Some Wisconsin libraries are receiving requests to remove or add ratings to books that some community members say are inappropriate or promote certain gender ideology.

09/04/2023

During Labor Day, let's also remember the forced labor that continues to this day.

Each day, incarcerated people and migrant workers across the United States – and here in Wisconsin – are exploited. They often lack knowledge of U.S. labor laws and are not paid minimum wage or overtime.

In fact, migrant workers account for about 80% of dairy farm labor, much of that coming from human trafficking.

On Friday, a coalition of advocates for migrant workers and state officials announced a $5.1 million grant to fight labor trafficking in Wisconsin. Milwaukee, where the coalition made the announcement, from the headquarters of United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS), was identified not long ago a...

09/03/2023

You won't believe what books have most recently been banned or challenged for removal across public schools and libraries.

We believe in an educated citizenry and a society where ideas are openly disseminated, discussed, and debated.

Read about some of the books that have most recently been banned or challenged for removal across public schools and libraries in our ‘ACLU Banned Book Club Reading List’.

09/02/2023

Under current law in Wisconsin, youth under 18 can be prosecuted for pr0$titution, despite not being able to legally consent. A proposed Safe Harbor Law (AB-48/SB-55) would protect minors from prosecution and exploitation.

Check out ACLU of Wisconsin's video.

09/01/2023

Are you a high school student interested in getting involved with the ACLU or starting a Student Alliance at your school? Contact Abby H. at [email protected]!

08/31/2023

The growth of unbridled drone usage with little oversight or accountability threatens our rights to privacy, speech, and assembly. Governments must put significant guardrails in place to ensure transparency, limit how are used, and regulate how video and image data is saved.

tiktok.com//video/7266796369653058862

08/30/2023

We are continuing our series of volunteer events and hosting a community cleanup at Lincoln Park in Milwaukee.

Join our team of volunteers to collect trash and beautify this well-loved Milwaukee green space! Sign up: https://action.aclu.org/webform/wi-summer-volunteer

08/29/2023

A Marquette Law School poll from last year found that 69% of registered voters in Wisconsin want legalization.

08/28/2023

August is Black Business Month, and if you haven't had an opportunity to support a Black-owned business or donate to a Black-owned organization this month, there is still time!

For a list of ideas, go to aclu-wi.org/en/news/celebrate-black-business-month-august.

08/27/2023

The brutal living conditions inside American prisons are a crisis that our society refuses to do anything about.

Prisons do not produce safety, and subjecting people at Waupun, Green Bay, Taycheedah or any other prisons to such inhumane conditions should be viewed as an indictment of the whole system.

Inmates who have been confined mostly to their cells for more than four months describe unsanitary conditions and a dearth of medical care. Experts say dire staffing shortages are likely to blame and are leading to lockdowns across the country.

08/26/2023

This , we honor Ada Deer, the first Indigenous woman from Wisconsin to run for U.S. Congress and the first woman to chair the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin.

Ada Deer passed away this month after a historic career of fighting for Indigenous self-determination, including a successful campaign to restore the Menominee's federally recognized status.

https://womeninwisconsin.org/profile/ada-deer/

08/25/2023

This Saturday, take the opportunity to provide input in developing a community policing plan at the Capitol Branch Library from 10 am-2 pm! https://mkepdpio.org/community-oriented-policing-community-engagement-planning-session/

08/24/2023

The Marathon County Library Board must reject implementing a book rating system at the Wausau Public Library.

Libraries cannot indicate a preference for or against books based on particular viewpoints, and spending millions of tax dollars on developing a book rating system is designed to do exactly that.

By Shereen Siewert A group calling itself 'Citizens for Decency in our Library' is asking the Marathon County Public Library in Wausau to instill a rating

08/23/2023

08/23/2023

Our freedom to vote depends on ordinary people who ensure every election runs smoothly and everyone's vote counts. Being a poll worker is a valuable way to give back to your community and support democracy. Sign up today: powerthepolls.org/lwvwi

08/22/2023

On Sunday, a remarkable number of people pledged to protect trans youth at the incredible Madison Magic Pride Festival! Take the pledge at https://action.aclu.org/petition/wi-trans-rights-pledge.

08/21/2023

We have a fundamental right to protest, but that right comes with real risks to our health and safety.

Make sure you know your rights when protesting. Learn more at aclu-wi.org/en/know-your-rights/know-your-protest-rights

08/20/2023

Students: Do you want to take action to protect your right to learn? Check out the ACLU's comprehensive toolkit to help you fight against censorship in your schools and communities:

Here is a comprehensive ACLU toolkit to help you fight against censorship in your schools and communities. These resources are designed for further understanding of who passes laws that affect your education and how you can take action to protect your right to learn. Explore to learn more about how....

08/19/2023

ACLU of WI Executive Director Dr. Melinda Brennan is quoted in this article about a pair of non-inclusive sports bills that would alienate transgender students from participating in sports.

All kids should be able to play.

Read the article here:

GOP state lawmakers have reintroduced bills blocking transgender students from playing on women's K12 and college sports teams.

08/18/2023

This week, our community engagement team facilitated a community circle inviting people from around Milwaukee to discuss how housing issues have impacted their lives. It was powerful to witness people from all walks of life come together to share their stories, knowledge, and vision for the future in a safe, supportive environment.

Folks closest to the issues are always the ones closest to the solutions. It's past time for people in power to start listening and let our communities take the lead.

08/17/2023

As you and your loved ones return to school this year, make sure you know your rights and that your school treats every student fairly and equally. You have rights in school, and you should know how to use them.

Check out our Know Your Rights guide before returning to class: aclu-wi.org/en/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-school.

08/16/2023

Last week, we joined with allies to demand answers and accountability in the wake of the brutal beating and arrest of a Black man in an Applebee's by Kenosha Police.

We should all be able to enjoy a meal with our families, to drive, to go running, to live our lives and to occupy public spaces without fear of being targeted by police.

Freedom in life means freedom from racist policing. We won't stop fighting until we're all free.

Last month, Kenosha police brutally beat a Black man inside of an Applebees after wrongly identifying him as a suspect. It’s devastating to see police – again and again – treat Black lives with such callous disregard.

Black people deserve to live in a world free of racist policing, where they can take their families out to eat without fear of being profiled and attacked. We call on Kenosha officials to condemn the KPD’s actions, to ensure law enforcement is held accountable, and to do whatever is necessary to prevent this from ever happening again.

aclu-wi.org/en/press-releases/organizations-condemn-police-brutality-kenosha-call-independent-investigation

08/15/2023

We had a blast being in community with people at the Harambee Back to School Block Party last week.

08/13/2023

THIS WEDNESDAY: Join us for our first community building circle, an opportunity for Milwaukee community members to share stories and discuss important topics.

Register here :https://action.aclu.org/webform/wi-community-building-circle

08/12/2023

ACLU of Wisconsin Board President William Sulton joined Wisconsin Public Radio this week to discuss the urgent need for re-entry services for formerly incarcerated people.

By supporting people committed to rectifying their mistakes, redefining themselves, and making meaningful contributions to society, we help reduce recidivism and build safer communities.

Wisconsin Public Radio features in-depth news from WPR’s seven bureaus and NPR, entertainment programs, classical music and discussions on the Ideas Network.

08/11/2023

The Wisconsin Legislature this week introduced SB 377 and SB 378 – a pair of bills that would exclude transgender students in elementary, high schools, and public colleges and universities from participating in sports teams consistent with their identified gender.

Trans students play sports to challenge themselves and be part of a team – the same as their peers. Participating in sports results in positive student outcomes, including better grades, higher educational and career aspirations, and improved self-esteem.

School sports should be inclusive for all students. Read our complete statement and take the pledge to support trans youth👇👇
aclu-wi.org/en/press-releases/aclu-wisconsin-opposes-non-inclusive-sports-bills-because-all-kids-should-play

SB 377 and SB 378 would exclude trans students from sports, which should be inclusive spaces promoting positive outcomes for all students.

08/11/2023

Last month, Kenosha police brutally beat a Black man inside of an Applebees after wrongly identifying him as a suspect. It’s devastating to see police – again and again – treat Black lives with such callous disregard.

Black people deserve to live in a world free of racist policing, where they can take their families out to eat without fear of being profiled and attacked. We call on Kenosha officials to condemn the KPD’s actions, to ensure law enforcement is held accountable, and to do whatever is necessary to prevent this from ever happening again.

aclu-wi.org/en/press-releases/organizations-condemn-police-brutality-kenosha-call-independent-investigation

08/07/2023

Gender-affirming care is:

💗 life saving
🤍 medically necessary
💙 not up for debate

Trans & non-binary people belong. EVERYWHERE.

08/06/2023

ACLU of WI's Tim Muth weighs in on a surveillance device bill that could expand how wiretapping devices such as pen registers or trap and trace devices are defined by law:

"The proposed legislation broadens the surveillance powers of state and local law enforcement, allowing the government to gather a broad swath of ‘metadata’ about our phone and electronic communications."

The State of the Union address delivered by President Joe Biden gets a critical review from social justice activists.