American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey
ACLU Sues Haralson County School District for Violating Free Speech Rights of Employee
The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Georgia and the Kendall Law Group, cooperating attorneys for the ACLU of Georgia, have filed a lawsuit challenging the unlawful termination of Johnny Cook. Mr. Cook was fired for expressing concerns on his personal Facebook profile that a child was left hungry and denied lunch at school. He joined a national debate focused on the well-being of children and adequacy of school lunch policies. When Mr. Cook refused to allow his voice, thoughts, property, and image to be hijacked, commandeered, censored, and illegally appropriated by the Haralson County school system, he was fired.
Politics still makes strange bedfellows under Gold Dome
By Kyle Wingfield
Atlanta Journal Constitution
Which of these groups does not belong with the others: the ACLU, the tea party, Common Cause or Americans for Prosperity?
If you think they could all fit in a coalition under the Gold Dome, give yourself a peach-colored star.
This era is known for its polarization in Washington, and Georgians on the left and the right certainly have their differences about how state legislators should address certain issues. But unlike in national politics, diverse coalitions still can and do emerge on high-profile state issues.
Walk in our Shoes - Hear Our Voice
- Where: Washington Street Side of the Georgia State Capitol
- When: Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 11:30am – 1pm
- 11:45am – Press Event & Performance
- 12:15pm – Walk around the dome
- What: Walk in My Shoes, Hear Our Voice is a peaceful walk by concerned Georgians around the Gold Dome.
- Original Song: “Won’t Go Back” in Spanish & English: https://soundcloud.com/feminist-center-atlanta/
- Original Music Video: https://vimeo.com/feministcenter/wontgoback
Solutions Not Punishment
Its time to make Atlanta a better city for all of us! Stop Police Profiling!
DAY of Outrage
Enough is Enough!
Tuesday, February 25th at 2:00 pm
Press Conference and Rally
Atlanta City Hall, Mitchell Street Entrance
Roe v Wade 41st Anniversary
January 22nd marks the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that guaranteed reproductive freedom for all women and enhanced the privacy protections of all Americans. While it is unfortunate that reproductive freedom is still under attack 40 years later, we would like you to know that the ACLU and the ACLU of Georgia remain vigilant in our support of reproductive freedom and respect for the personal autonomy of all women.
In the courts...
In 2012, the ACLU of Georgia and the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project filed a lawsuit against the State of Georgia, seeking to prevent the State from implementing a 20-week abortion ban. In December 2012, the Fulton County Superior Court issued an injunction against the law as it applies to pre-viable abortion care and the injunction remains in effect today. By bringing this suit, we prevented this anti-choice law from infringing upon the rights that Georgia women are guaranteed underRoeand we are confident that the Georgia courts will find this law unconstitutional.
Tide May be Turning on Medical Cannabis in Georgia Legislature
January 15, 2014
Gloria Tatum
Atlanta Progressive News
The tide appears to be turning in Georgia with regard to the issue of medical cannabis, or marijuana, after two leading Republican lawmakers in the State Legislature expressed their openness to the idea of legalizing cannabis for medical purposes in Georgia.
As first reported by WSB-TV Channel 2, on January 07, 2014, Republican State Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus) called for hearings on medical marijuana; then, on January 09, House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) told Channel 2 he would be open to the idea.
"I have some concerns about it quite frankly but I think, let's take the politics out of it, and look at the science and hear the medical professionals,” Ralston said.
With Drug Tests for Florida Welfare Recipients On Hold, Georgia Waits
Lisa George
90.1 WABE
Georgia public policy players are watching Florida closely now that a federal judge there has struck down the state’s law requiring drug testing for welfare recipients.
A U.S. District judge ruled the Florida law violates the Constitutional provision against unreasonable searches. Georgia has had a similar law on the books since 2012, but it has not yet been implemented.
ACLU of Georgia sends letters to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights experts requesting a meeting to discuss immigration detention conditions in Georgia
In light of the inaction of the federal government and for-profit prison corporations in the face of documented human rights violations, the ACLU of Georgia sent letters to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Rapporteur on the Rights of People Deprived of Liberty and the Rapporteur on the Rights of Migrants, requesting a meeting to discuss immigration detention conditions in Georgia.
You can find the letters here and here.
Proposal Would put 10 Commandments Outside Ga. Capitol
A South Georgia lawmaker will propose next month a bill that would allow the construction of a monument outside the Georgia Capitol featuring the 10 Commandments.
Vidalia Republican Rep. Greg Morris wants the monument to be built where the statue of former Sen. Tom Watson used to be.
Rights and Benefits Eligibility Chart for Individuals with Various Immigration Status
The ACLU of Georgia has released a chart on eligibility of individuals with various immigration status for rights and benefits in Georgia. The chart is available in both English and Spanish and can be accessed here.
The ACLU of Georgia National Security/Immigrants’ Rights Project is celebrating its fifth anniversary!
Founded in March 2008, the project works to bring Georgia into compliance with international human rights and U.S. constitutional standards in treatment of refugees and immigrant communities, including those in detention. This project engages ACLU of Georgia staff and volunteers in litigation, legislative advocacy, human rights documentation, coalition-building, public education, attorney training, and community organizing to address a range of issues. Here you can find a few of our accomplishments over the past five years.
