News & Commentary

California applies the death penalty disproportionately to people of color, especially when the victim is white. A recent, rigorous statewide study found that Black people are up to 8.7 times as likely to be sentenced to death as similarly situated non-Black defendants, Latino people are up to 6.2 times as likely to be sentenced to death, and defendants of all races are up to 8.8 times as likely to be condemned to death when at least one of the victims in the case is white.

When Donald Trump was sworn in as president, he lost no time launching Project 2025­—a right-wing policy agenda rooted in white supremacy that he had claimed to know nothing about. The ACLU stands ready—as we have for more than a century—to defend our vision of an inclusive democracy based on fundamental principles of equality.

Alameda County is set to choose a new district attorney to replace Pamela Price. The next top prosecutor must commit to promoting equal justice and safety for all

On the brink of a second Trump administration, we stand ready to protect fundamental rights under federal and state law – and the Constitution

The results of the November 2024 election — at both the federal and state levels — compel us to look ahead with clear eyes and strong resolve to protect civil liberties and civil rights. We balance our sober understanding of the threats ahead with our enduring commitment to a vision of the United States and its Constitution that respects the rights of all persons. 

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that cities can cite and arrest people simply for being homeless, San Francisco has ramped up aggressive enforcement against homeless encampments.

Indigenous students often face barriers when schools deny them the right to wear traditional regalia at graduation. This issue highlights a broader conflict between cultural identity and institutional policies. The blog advocates for respecting and celebrating Indigenous heritage during graduation ceremonies.