January 19th: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Was Founded

January 19, 2023

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was founded in 1920 by a group of activists, including Roger Baldwin, Crystal Eastman, and Helen Keller, who were concerned about the erosion of civil liberties in the United States. The organization’s mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

The ACLU continued to advocate for civil rights and civil liberties, particularly for marginalized communities such as African Americans and LGBTQ individuals. The organization played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and was involved in landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade.

In recent years, the ACLU has been involved in a wide range of issues, including immigration, voting rights, criminal justice reform, and government surveillance. The organization has also been active in defending the rights of marginalized communities, including immigrants and refugees, and in challenging discriminatory laws and practices.

Throughout its history, the ACLU has been a vocal critic of government actions that it believes violate the Constitution and civil liberties. The organization has a reputation for being a powerful advocate for individual rights and has played a significant role in shaping American law and society.

References:

https://www.aclu.org/other/bill-rights-brief-history

https://www.aclu.org/about-aclu

https://www.aclu.org/about/aclu-history

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