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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is our nation’s guardian of liberty. We work daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Read more >>>

THE YEAR OF RESTORING PRIVACY Join us Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 6pm – 10pm at the Dena'ina Center as we honor M.J. Cadle and the Cadle Litigation Jane Doe Plaintiffs, who are defending the rights of all Alaskans against improper government seizure of private medical records. We will inaugurate The Year of Restoring Privacy at the ACLU of Alaska Foundation Liberty Awards Gala. The evening's events will include live music, cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, brief commemorative program, silent and live auctions, and dancing. Buy your tickets online today! Or, RSVP to the ACLU of Alaska office at akclu@akclu.org or (907) 263-2003.

ACLU of Alaska Offers Two Scholarships for 2012.  Applications for Joan Hamilton and Youth Activist Scholarships available.
The ACLU is pleased to announce it is accepting applications for the 2nd annual Joan Hamilton Memorial Scholarship.  Students studying to work in areas that will benefit Alaska Native & rural communities may apply for the scholarship honoring the life of Joan Hamilton, a Cup’ik Eskimo from Qissunaq, impassioned proponent of Native culture and civil rights, and member of the Board of Directors of the ACLU of Alaska for close to ten years just prior to her death in 2008. 

The ACLU also offers the 2012 Alaska Youth Activist Scholarship.  Applications may be submitted by high school seniors or vocational students who have a passion for civil liberties.

Students may download the application packets online and submit to the ACLU of Alaska offices by November 22:The Joan Hamilton Scholarship Application and Youth Activist Scholarship.

TOP STORIES —

Alaska Court Rules In Favor of Lesbian and Gay Families.  Excluding Same-Sex Couples from Tax Exemption Benefit Violates Alaska Constitution
The Superior Court in Anchorage ruled that the state’s tax-assessment rules unconstitutionally discriminate against same-sex couples by denying them equal access to a property tax exemption for senior citizens and disabled veterans. This important decision expands the landmark holding in Alaska Civil Liberties Union v Alaska. Additional details are in our Press Release, or you may read the Court’s Opinion.

Court To Hear Facts Regarding Challenge to Parental Notice Act.  Important Decision for Young Women of Alaska.
Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Alaska have challenged the so-called “Parental Notice Act,” which threatens the safety of Alaska’s young women. The Initiative Sponsors and the state had asked a Judge to declare–without any hearings or trial–that the Act’s provisions were acceptable. Instead, the Court agreed with the ACLU and our partners that evidence about the difficulties faced by residents of rural Alaska and other issues required a full hearing. You may read the Court’s Ruling. 

ACLU to Argue for Protection of Private Medical Records.  Court to Hear Arguments in Sitka on December 16.
In the Cadle matter, the ACLU is arguing for the protection of the private medical information of approximately 400 patients of a Ketchikan midwife clinic. Their  files were improperly seized and reviewed by the State. The matter has been set for argument before the Court in Sitka on Friday, December 16 at 2:00 p.m.  For details, contact the ACLU at akclu@akclu.org.

ACLU Challenges Alaska DMV Requirement that Transgender Persons Undergo Surgery for Proper Gender on License. The ACLU filed a brief seeking to allow transgender individuals to correct the gender marker on their driver’s licenses without undergoing major surgery. The state’s surgery requirement places an undue burden on transgender individuals and presents a gross violation of an individual’s right to privacy. No one should have to disclose sensitive personal information or be forced to make major medical decisions in order to get an accurate driver’s license. You may read additional details in our Press Release or review the ACLU’s legal brief.

Presentation by National Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, Anthony Romero available online.

You may watch a video of Anthony Romero at the July 14 presentation at UAA at:  http://jpc.uaa.alaska.edu/2011/07/12/the-ongoing-struggle-for-equal-rights-watch-online/.

Mr. Romero addressed the ongoing struggle for equal rights, and the continuing challenges faced by minority and underprivileged communities, along with the work of the ACLU in fighting for equal rights.

FEDERAL COURT VICTORY for Free Speech. Judge Voids Alaska Statute to Protect First Amendment Rights: Holds Restrictions on Internet Speech Violate Constitution. In a lawsuit brought by Alaska booksellers, libraries, a photographer, and other First Amendment and media organizations, Chief U.S. District Judge Ralph Beistline held that an Alaska criminal statute threatened to reduce all speech on the Internet “to only what is fit for children,” and permanently barred its enforcement because it violates the First Amendment. 

You may read the Court’s Order and Opinion or additional details in our press release.

ACLU Asks Court To Rule In Challenge To Tax Law That Treats Gay Families Unfairly. The ACLU of Alaska filed a motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit challenging the state’s tax-assessment rules, which discriminate against same-sex couples by denying them equal access to a property tax exemption for senior citizens and disabled veterans. Those who qualify and who live with same-sex partners are only permitted, at most, half of the exemption available to opposite-sex married couples because they are treated as roommates rather than as families. You may read the briefing memo or additional details in our press release.

As the Legislative Session winds down, here is a summary (PDF) of the Legislation the ACLU has been working on. For more details on some of these bills, go to our Legislature page.

Ordinance Allowing Destruction of Homeless Property Unconstitutional. Court Finds Multiple Violations of Due Process; ACLU Invites Municipality to Work Together on Fashioning Appropriate Policy. The Superior Court granted Summary Judgment in favor of Plaintiffs Dale Engle and homeless persons, finding that the Anchorage Municipality’s Ordinance allowing summary destruction of their personal property is facially unconstitutional. The ACLU is extremely pleased that the Court found that the initial 5-day notice period is inadequate and violates due process. The Court also held that the provision allowing for destruction of property 2-days after a decision by a municipal hearing officer - which effectively denies homeless persons access to the courts – is unconstitutional. You may read the Judge’s Opinion or additional details.

New Survey to Assess Discrimination Against LGBT Alaskans. A new survey will gather information about experiences of discrimination and bias in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in Anchorage, Alaska. The Anchorage LGBT Discrimination Survey is the product of a coalition effort by organizations that serve the community, including Identity, Inc., Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, Alaskans Together for Equality, Equality Works and the ACLU of Alaska. It is the first survey of its kind in over 20 years, and the first to collect information about transgender Alaskans.

Survey collection finished on March 31 and researchers are currently processing the data. Check back at the ACLU of Alaska website and the survey website itself, www.alaskacommunity.org, for updates on when results of the survey will be available.

The Trial Court in Anchorage Blocked the Worst Parts of Proposition 2, which endangers the health and safety of Alaska’s most vulnerable teens. The ACLU and our partners were able to successfully argue before the Court, which ruled that “the initiative adopts an unduly controlling and punitive approach to this public health matter.” You can read the Judge’s Order at PP v SOA.PI Order, or review which provisions have been blocked at PP v SOA.Revised PNL. For additional details, see In the Courts.

ACLU Resources for Dealing with TSA “Naked Scanners.” The ACLU of Alaska and National ACLU are concerned with recent government initiatives that invade Americans’ privacy. While security is important to all of us, procedures should be effective and pose the least threat to our civil liberties.

We’re collecting individuals' stories in order to determine the scope of this problem and evaluate future action. While there is currently no “naked scanner” in Alaska, we want to avoid improper intrusions into our privacy. If you wish to be involved in the effort to protest these scanners, please contact the ACLU at akclu@akclu.org.

For now, we’ve prepared a publication; and you can download a copy of the ACLU of Alaska Guide: Know Your Options at the Airport. More information is also available at the National ACLU website.

Protecting Alaska’s Teens. The ACLU of Alaska has joined Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest in seeking to block the recently passed Ballot Measure 2, which threatens the health and safety of Alaska’s teens. The recently filed lawsuit asks the court to enjoin the “parental notice” law, which is unconstitutional and would have a particularly harsh impact on young women who live in abusive homes. You can read a copy of the Complaint, and check back to our website for updates on this lawsuit.

Planned Parenthood and the physician plaintiffs are represented by Janet Crepps, Center for Reproductive Rights; Laura Einstein and Eve Gartner, Planned Parenthood; Diana Kasdan and Thomas Stenson of the ACLU, and Jeffrey Feldman and Susan Orlansky from the law firm of Feldman, Orlansky & Sanders.

The 2010 update to the Alaska Prisoners’ Rights Guide is now available in both print and online versions. The Guide provides a summary of prisoners’ rights in Alaska and is intended as a comprehensive resource for prisoners and their advocates seeking to challenge conditions of confinement or enforce constitutional rights. Free online versions are available on AKCLU's Prison Rights page. Prisoners may purchase a print copy by mail at a reduced cost of $10, and others may purchase a copy for $20. Additional details are available in the Press Release. The Prison Rights page of the ACLU of Alaska website contains links to the Guide text; Addendum with Department of Corrections Forms; Basic Rights at a Glance; and Grievance Process.

Federal Court Grants Preliminary Injunction to Protect Alaskans’ First Amendment Rights. The Federal District Court in Anchorage has granted a Preliminary Injunction requested by Alaska booksellers, libraries, and other First Amendment and media organizations. Chief U.S. District Judge Ralph Beistline's ruling blocks portions of recently passed Senate Bill 222, which could have made anyone who operates a website criminally liable for posting material deemed “harmful to minors,” and would have banned from the Internet information that adults and older minors have a First Amendment right to view. Additional details can be read in the Press Release, and the Court’s Order can also be viewed.

Joan Hamilton to be Honored with Scholarship. ACLU to Award Students Focused on Alaska Native & Rural Communities. The ACLU is pleased to announce creation of a scholarship to honor the life and work of Joan Hamilton, a Cup’ik Eskimo from Qissunaq, impassioned proponent of Native culture and civil rights, and member of the Board of Directors of the ACLU of Alaska for close to ten years just prior to her death in 2008. Details about the scholarship and Joan’s work can be read in the Press Release. The full Scholarship Application Packet is available for download.

ACLU of Alaska seeks applicants for the 2011 Alaska Youth Activist Scholarship Program, granting up to $2,500 for first-year college expenses. Applications may be submitted by high school seniors or vocational students who have a passion for civil liberties. The complete Scholarship Application Packet can be downloaded. Teachers and counselors can download a flyer for posting at school. Additional information is available by contacting the ACLU of Alaska.

Former State Senator from Rampart, Georgianna Lincoln, is voting NO ON BALLOT MEASURE 2 on August 24. Hear what she has to say >>>

ACLU Seeks Records About FBI Collection Of Racial And Ethnic Data. According to an FBI operations guide, FBI agents have the authority to collect information about and create maps of so-called "ethnic-oriented" businesses, behaviors, lifestyle characteristics and cultural traditions in communities with concentrated ethnic populations. While some racial and ethnic data collection by some agencies might be helpful in lessening discrimination, were the FBI to collect and map demographic data using race-based criteria for targeting purposes it would invite unconstitutional racial profiling by law enforcement. You can review the FOIA Request to the Anchorage Field Office or read further details.

Three Alaska Same-Sex Couples Challenge Discriminatory Tax Law. The State of Alaska’s tax-assessment rules discriminate against same-sex couples by denying them equal access to a property tax exemption for senior citizens and disabled veterans. Lesbian or gay families who qualify are only permitted to half the exemption available to opposite-sex married couples because they are treated as “roommates.” The law firm of Davis Wright Tremaine and the ACLU have filed suit against this unconstitutional practice. The ACLU had asked the State in July of 2009 and January of 2010 to end this discrimination without litigation, in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling in ACLU v Alaska. The State declined to act. Further details can be read here.

Court Grants TRO Against Provision of Governor’s Bail Bill. The ACLU and Alaska Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers won a Temporary Restraining Order in their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of certain provisions of HB 324, the Governor’s “Bail Bill.” The ACLU argued to the court that, as the Alaska Constitution guarantees the right to bail, allowing the Bail Bill to be implemented would have improperly denied Alaskans charged with certain crimes of their liberty, and that such a denial required emergency action. Details may be read in the recent press release, or the Judge’s Order.

Court Grants TRO Against Anchorage “Camping Ordinance.” The Superior Court in Anchorage found serious questions as to constitutionality of Anchorage Municipal Ordinance AO 2010-43(S), and granted the ACLU’s request for a Temporary Restraining Order. Agreeing with our contentions that all persons are constitutionally guaranteed actual notice, and a real opportunity to be heard, the judge blocked enforcement of the newly revised law. Further details are available along with a copy of the link.

ACLU has filed a lawsuit asking the courts to declare provisions of H.B. 324, the Governor’s “Bail Bill,” unconstitutional. The Alaska Constitution guarantees the right to bail, and in our judicial system, all persons are entitled to a fair trial and are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Bail Bill dismantles constitutional protections Alaskans have come to expect. The ACLU is representing the Alaska Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers along with experienced individual defense attorneys throughout the state. Follow these links to read the complete story, or the complaint and Motion for Temporary Restraining Order.

ACLU Seeks Return of Seized Medical Records, and Challenges Improper Denial of Parole Hearing. In two new court filings the ACLU of Alaska is seeking Court intervention to protect medical record privacy, and to halt an improper denial of parole board review of a mentally ill prisoner. In Cadle v. Dept. of Law, Div. Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, the ACLU and the Ketchikan law firm of Keene & Currall are challenging the unconstitutional state seizure of over 400 entire patient files, along with reports that private information in the files was read and then disclosed. Follow these links to read more about the suit or review the Complaint. In the Palmer court, the ACLU along with the Disability Law Center of Alaska are asking that the right of a 68 year old prisoner, who has suffered from a mental illness, be afforded fair procedures to determine whether parole is appropriate. Follow these links to review the Complaint or learn more about the background of the State’s denial.

ACLU of Alaska issues a Travel Alert informing Alaskans of their rights when stopped by law enforcement when traveling in Arizona. Resources provided in response to civil liberties threats caused by the recent passage of Arizona’s unconstitutional racial profiling law – SB 1070 – which requires law enforcement agents to demand "papers" from people they stop who they suspect are not authorized to be in the U.S., include: “Alert to Travelers”, “Alerta a Viajeros”, and a wallet sized card with information on what to do when stopped by police in both English (bust card) and Spanish. Additional details are available in the full press release.

ACLU to Testify Before Anchorage Assembly Regarding Legal Requirements for Protection of Homeless Persons’ Property. On Tuesday, May 25 after 6:00 p.m. at the Loussac Library in Anchorage, the ACLU will provide testimony to the Assembly regarding necessary changes to the Municipal Ordinance on posting homeless encampments for property removal. Click here for a copy of the ACLU’s written testimony and the complete story.

ACLU and Alaskans Against Government Mandates Urge You to Vote NO ON 2 in the August 24 Primary! Alaskans are facing a dangerous initiative that attempts to force government mandated family communication and require parental notification or consent for a minor’s abortion. No law can mandate family communication and Measure 2 threatens teen health and safety. To find out what you can do, and for more information, click here.

ACLU Challenges Unconstitutional Destruction of Homeless Property. The ACLU filed suit in the Superior Court in Anchorage seeking an order prohibiting the Municipality of Anchorage, and the Anchorage Police Department, from raids on homeless camps, and the seizure and destruction of homeless individuals’ tents, clothing, and other personal items with as little as 12-hours’ notice. You can read the COMPLAINT or review the whole story.

The ACLU of Alaska remembers and honors Irwin Ravin, the champion of privacy rights. Irwin Ravin, the attorney who put himself on the line to challenge Alaska’s marijuana laws, died recently at the age of 70. “The case brought on behalf of Irwin Ravin was about more than smoking marijuana. Irwin Ravin stood up for the privacy rights of all Alaskans, the right, in Justice Brandeis’s words, ‘to be let alone’. Irwin Ravin helped to define the meaning of the unique right to privacy in the Alaska Constitution. The Ravin case has been cited favorably by Alaska courts 86 times and remains the law of the land, having never been overruled. Irwin Ravin’s case has been used to establish the rights of Alaskans to privacy from unwarranted government intrusion in other spheres, including their reproductive choices, their rights against warrantless searches, and their right to bodily integrity” (Thomas Stenson, Prison Rights Attorney, ACLU of Alaska).

YOUR CALLS NEEDED NOW TO STOP ALASKA’S PATRIOT ACT! The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska calls on the Senate Finance Committee to reject a proposed PATRIOT ACT-type provision that would allow the Attorney General to issue his own subpoenas without any court review. Section 19 of Senate Bill 222, calendared for consideration in the Senate Finance Committee on April 9, would authorize the attorney general to issue his own subpoenas. Internet service providers would be forced to turn over records of Alaskans, and no judge would review the request. Click here for complete story. LINK to the ACLU’s complete testimony on SB 222.

Court Rules Summary on Initiative Misleading; Orders Lieutenant Governor Rewrite: The Court today issued its ruling in the matter of Planned Parenthood and Wingrove v. Campbell, and agreed that Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Alaska were right to bring the lawsuit challenging certification of the proposed initiative, which seeks to impose government restrictions on medical care. The Court stated that that the summary prepared by the Lieutenant Governor was misleading and must be corrected, because it did not tell the voters the full story. For the full press release, click here. A copy of the ruling is also available.

ACLU announces publication of Rethinking Alaska’s Corrections Policy: Avoiding an Everyday Crisis. The culmination of a two-year project reviewing the general conditions in the correctional system in Alaska, the ACLU team interviewed more than 150 prisoners. The Department of Corrections cooperated and supplied substantial information. The report addresses issues including: overcrowding; contract facility understaffing; quality of medical care; prisoners with mental illness; rehabilitative programs; and treatment of Alaska Natives and women. The ACLU intends the Report to support continuing improvement in the criminal justice and correctional systems in Alaska. Click here for a full e-copy of the Report.

Please take a moment to complete the survey. Click here to download. Fill out the form, and return to WomensHealth@akclu.org. You can also call (888) 958-0044 to schedule a phone interview.

ACLU Seeks Amendment of Hate Crimes Legislation to Protect Free Speech and Associational Rights. The ACLU provided testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on the constitutional balance between protecting historically disfavored groups from violence and harassment, and ensuring First Amendment rights – no matter the viewpoint – are protected. To see the complete written testimony click here.

ACLU Announces State Approval of Alternate Testing Dates for Russian Old Believer Students, Important Religious Freedom Accommodation in Administration of HSGQE.

Feodor Reutov, Tatiana Reutov, Kiril Kalugin, Anfisa Kalugin, Stan White, and Effimia Basargin, and other Voznesenka community students’ family members met with ACLU of Alaska Executive Director Jeffrey Mittman to discuss a formal request to the State to allow alternate testing dates.

The Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development has agreed to respect the religious freedom of Russian Old Believer families and arrange alternate testing dates and security procedures for administration of the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam (HSGQE) which, as currently scheduled, conflicts with Holy Week for Russian Old Believer students. Rather than being forced to miss the testing on April 6 – 8, or violate their religious dictates which require that Russian Old Believers not work or attend school during Holy Week, students will now have the opportunity to take the test on March 29 to April 2, under special security procedures and agreements which protect the validity of the tests. See the ACLU of Alaska’s Press Release. See correspondence to the Department of Education.

ACLU Joins NARF, Northern Justice Project, and State Of Alaska in Announcing Settlement In Yup'ik Language Voter Assistance Case. The ACLU of Alaska Foundation, the ACLU Voting Rights Project, and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) joined the Northern Justice Project, four Alaska Native elders and four tribal governments and the Alaska Attorney General's Office in announcing a settlement of litigation in Nick, et al. v. Bethel, et al. According to the settlement, the state of Alaska will make enhancements to language assistance for Yup'ik-speaking voters available at elections in the Bethel area. “The right to vote – to have an equal voice in the political process – is the most fundamental of civil liberties,” said Jeffrey Mittman, Executive Director of the ACLU of Alaska. “The ACLU is pleased to have partnered with NARF in vindicating the Constitutional rights of the Alaska Native community, and ensuring the right to vote regardless of what language one speaks.” See the full press release and a copy of the settlement agreement.

ACLU Advises Legislature of Unconstitutionality of Proposed Drug and Alcohol Testing Scheme. The ACLU testified in Juneau regarding the standards for drug and alcohol testing, and advised the House Health & Social Services Committee that proposed legislation ran afoul of federal and state standards. To see the ACLU ‘s written testimony click here. Download PDF >

ACLU Urges Inclusion of Same-Sex Domestic Partners in Benefits Conferred by SB 278.  In keeping with the Alaska Supreme Court’s ruling in Alaska Civil Liberties Union v. Alaska, regarding the conferral of benefits by the State on legally married spouses, the ACLU has asked the Alaska Legislature to recognize and honor the service of military families headed by couples in same-sex committed partnerships. Download PDF >

The Alaska Legislature is considering a bill that has multiple constitutional flaws. The House Judiciary Committee has passed the bill with Amendments that make it even worse. Your urgent help is needed to let your Representatives know to oppose HB 298. For more information you can review the ACLU of Alaska’s written testimony to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees opposing HB 298, and the Senate version, SB 222.

In addition, the ACLU of Alaska is opposing SB 252 and HB 324, which would unconstitutionally restrict the rights of the criminally accused. ACLU testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee opposing this legislation is also available. PLEASE send this information to friends!

Listen to media reports on the lawsuit challenging the Lt. Governor's improper certification of the extreme "embryo personhood" initiative.

Lesbian and gay couples in Alaska are not being treated equally under the state’s Senior Citizen Property Exemption laws.

Alaska married residents 65 years of age or older are exempt from taxation on the first $150,000 of the assessed value of their homes, whether the property is  held in the name of the husband, wife, or both.

Same-sex domestic partners can’t receive the full exemption.  State law treats same-sex partners as roommates and the exemption is reduced.

If You Are:

• In a long-term, committed relationship with your partner AND
• At least one partner is 65 or over AND
• You are living with your partner in a home that one or both of you own

The ACLU of Alaska would like your help in challenging the state’s unequal treatment of same-sex partners. Please contact Tiffany McClain at tmcclain@akclu.org or 258-0044 ext. 101 to learn more.

The CIA inspector general’s report about “Enhanced Interrogation” was made public as part of the ACLU’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit and Attorney General Eric Holder announced his decision to appoint a prosecutor to conduct a preliminary investigation into whether federal laws were violated during the interrogation of detainees in U.S. custody. The ACLU will continue to demand full Accountability for Torture. To learn more, click here or the button on the left.

Public employers such as a municipal governments, state agencies, and school districts have an obligation to provide the same benefits to same-sex domestic partners that they provide to spouses.  The ACLU of Alaska wants to ensure that all Alaskans are receiving equal benefits, and conducted a survey of all public agencies in the State of Alaska. Click here to read an initial summary of our findings to date, and learn what you can do to receive your benefits or help expand coverage.

ACLU to Fight Discrimination Against People with Criminal Records

Do you have a criminal record? Have you experienced employment discrimination? Many employers do routine background checks, but refusing to hire or firing someone because of his or her criminal record could violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, particularly if it’s based on an old conviction that is unrelated to the job sought.

The ACLU of Alaska along with the national ACLU Women’s Rights Project is launching an initiative to help people with criminal records who are barred from rebuilding their lives through employment discrimination.  We want to challenge barriers to employment by enforcing Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Click here to learn more >

Yup'ik-Speaking Voters To Receive Additional Language Assistance In The City Of Bethel. Read the News Release >

ACLU and Equality Works Seek Truthful Discussion on Proposed Ordinance: A coalition of Alaska Organizations working to end discrimination in Anchorage seeks to ensure that debate about the proposed Anchorage Equal Rights Ordinance protecting LGBT Alaskans focuses on the facts. Read the News Release >

ACLU Opposes HB 9 Efforts to Introduce Death Penalty to Alaska.
> Read the ACLU’s Statement in Opposition

Yup’ik-Speaking Voters Ask Court for Effective Language Assistance >>>
> Read the Plaintiffs’ Motion

ACLU & Reproductive Rights Organizations Call for “New Conversation” about Abortion >>>

ACLU Publishes Online Guide for Alaska LGBT Students >>>

The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska announced today that the Alaska Prisoners’ Rights Guide is available online. The Guide provides a summary of prisoners’ rights in Alaska and is intended as a comprehensive resource for prisoners and their advocates seeking to challenge conditions of confinement or enforce constitutional rights.

All Claims Settled in Landmark "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" Case of Morse v. Frederick. Read more >>>

Highlights from ACLU of AK —

Listen to ACLU of Alaska Foundation staff attorney Jason Brandeis interviewed regarding recent recall petitions in the City of Bethel. The City Clerk has improperly refused to review the petition signatures for certification. While the ACLU of Alaska Foundation has no opinion on the underlying recall petitions, we are concerned with ensuring citizens’ constitutionally-protected right to the democratic process. Special thanks to KYUK 640 AM for providing the audio excerpt.

Listen to the ACLU of Alaska present oral arguments before the Alaska Supreme Court to overturn a state law re-criminalizing possession and use of small amounts of marijuana in the home.

Latest news from the ACLU of AK —

• ACLU Launches Election Countdown Voter Empowerment Program
• Alaska Prisoners’ Rights Guide Now Available Online; Important Resource for Prisoners, Their Families, and Advocates
• Discrimination a Persistent Problem for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Alaskans, says American Civil Liberties Union
• Prison Rights Attorney Joins ACLU of Alaska
• Read more >>>

We have revised the ACLU of Alaska Privacy Statement because we want to clarify and provide more information about our collection, use and protection of information collected on this website, particularly as technology has evolved. In addition to clarifying our collection practices, the revisions include a description of our use of Short-Term Cookies. Check out our revised Privacy Statement.

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