Stories from the ACLU of Washington

Search by topic

Sending a child to adult court without first having a hearing isn't just harmful, it's unconstitutional

Published: 
Monday, March 12, 2018
America’s juvenile justice system was established more than 100 years ago with the goal of rehabilitating youth who break the law. It reflects the belief that children who commit offenses should have an opportunity to account for their wrongdoing, change their behavior, and become productive members of society. But since 1997 Washington courts have treated some youth differently under a law called "automatic decline."
Read more

PSA to Student Protestors: You Have Rights

Published: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Washington Law Protects Against Suspensions for Walkouts
Read more

It’s time to stop wasting money on our state’s most commonly charged crime

Published: 
Monday, February 12, 2018
What if there was a criminal charge that was ineffective and unfair? And what if taxpayers were spending billions to enforce it?
Read more

They Rocked the Casbah, We Rock the Constitution

Published: 
Monday, February 5, 2018
The legendary UK punk band and the ACLU-WA are more alike than you might think. Here’s why we’re sponsoring International Clash Day.
Read more

Having a Disability Shouldn’t Mean You Can’t Have a Baby

Published: 
Monday, January 29, 2018
A Washington disability rights activist speaks out about the sterilization of disabled people
Read more

Our Priorities for the 2018 State Legislature

Published: 
Friday, January 5, 2018
We are hard at work in Olympia, collaborating with allies and activists to defend and extend civil liberties and civil rights during this year’s 60-day session. Here are our legislative priorities for 2018.
Read more

In Memoriam: Floyd Jones

Published: 
Friday, January 5, 2018
Floyd Jones, a longtime ACLU-WA donor and one of the dearest men you could ever meet, has passed away.
Read more

State Supreme Court: Employer cannot use a job applicant’s anti-discrimination lawsuit as a reason not to hire him

Published: 
Thursday, December 7, 2017
The Supreme Court of Washington has ruled that it’s illegal for prospective employers to engage in retaliatory discrimination against job applicants
Read more

Solitary confinement is especially harmful to juveniles and should not be used to punish them

Published: 
Friday, November 17, 2017
Solitary confinement —the practice of isolating people in closed cells for 22-24 hours a day, virtually free of human contact, for days to decades—violates this fundamental need for community and connection, causing extreme suffering.
Read more

ACLU-WA urges Ninth Circuit to uphold ruling that county jails have no business holding people for ICE

Published: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
In May, Antonio Sanchez Ochoa was booked into the Yakima County Jail on state criminal charges. A superior court judge set bail, and though his sister had the ability to post the bail money, Yakima County refused to let him out of jail.
Read more

ACLU-WA Urges Court Not to Allow Warrantless Searches of Homes

Published: 
Friday, November 10, 2017
Courts have consistently held that when people invite law enforcement into their homes, they have a right to say where those officers can and cannot go.
Read more

I’m a Transgender Boy, and I’m Suing My Health Insurer to Cover the Medical Care I Need.

Published: 
Friday, October 27, 2017
I’m still devastated by the fact that simply because I’m transgender I was refused coverage for the medical care that my doctor prescribed for me. With the help of the ACLU, we’re bringing a lawsuit against PeaceHealth because no one should be refused care because of who they are.
Read more

Pages