Issues

Learn about what's happening across the most pressing civil liberties issues of our time, and what you can do.

Featured Issues

Issue
Outline of the State of California overlaid with pictures of activists holding signs saying "Keep families together" and "Keep communities whole" and a plane flying over barbed wire

Immigrants' Rights

California is home to more immigrants than any other state in the country. The ACLU of Northern California works to defend immigrants’ constitutional rights, end immigration detention, and stop state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Issue
Outline of the State of California overlaid with pictures of a person holding a sign saying "Due process for EVERYONE" and the scales of justice

Criminal Law Reform

The criminal legal system is rooted in slavery. This legacy has created an epidemic of mass incarceration. The ACLU of Northern California works to end unjust laws and policies that unfairly and disproportionately prosecute and imprison Black and Brown people. We advocate for criminal law reform that keeps communities safe and respects the rights of all Californians.
Issue
Outline of the State of California overlaid with pictures of a protestor with a megaphone and her arm raised and a book with words redacted

Free Speech

Freedom of speech is critical to a healthy democracy. Everyone has the right to make their voice heard, even if their point of view is unpopular. The ACLU of Northern California protects the rights of all Californians to speak out, participate in political protest, and publish in the press without fear of reprisal.

All Issues

Issue
outline of the state of california with students and books

Schools

Every child deserves to learn and grow in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. The ACLU of Northern California advocates for educational equity and fights for restorative alternatives to punitive policies that push Black and Indigenous students into the criminal legal system.
Issue
OUtline of the state of california overlaid with a picture of a man at a voting booth and and "I voted today" sticker

Voting Rights

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. But too many Californians have difficulty accessing the ballot box because of systemic discrimination. The ACLU of Northern California works to remove barriers to voting and ensure that eligible voters know their rights.