ACLU-NCA Announces Executive Director Position Is Open for Application

The American Civil Liberties Union of the Nation’s Capital (ACLU-NCA) seeks a dynamic, experienced Executive Director to lead our office in expanding a civil liberties agenda in Washington, D.C.

ACLU/NCA condemns congressional censorship

The ACLU condemned the arrest of journalists attempting to film a public hearing of a House subcommittee, apparently because the journalists were known to have a viewpoint different from the Republican leadership's.

ACLU Challenges Another "Contempt of Cop" False Arrest: Transit Police At Fault, Suit Says, In 2011 U Street Incident

Lawrence Miller saw his friend, Dwight Harris, thrown from his wheelchair last June 2011 by Metro Transit Police, and he spoke up--asking the officers why; urging them to take more care of a disabled person; and questioning why a peaceful U Street vendor lay bloody on the sidewalk.  Police told him to be quiet and he turned to leave.

Even so, despite committing no crime and aopparently just for asking his questions, Miller was arrested and locked up, charged with inciting a riot and assaulting an officer--charges a prosecutor tossed out at the first opportunity.

ACLU Warns DC Council (Again) Against Unconstitutional and Ineffective "Prostitution-Free Zones"

The ACLU testified January 24 to the D.C. Council on severe legal weaknesses of the current "prostitution-free zone" (PFZ) law and a new bill that would make them permanent.

Volunteer attorney Rob Gorman, testifying for the ACLU, warned the Council about such laws that make it a crime to loiter under “circumstances” where an officer suspects (but can't prove) that criminal activity may be afoot.

ACLU-NCA Testifies on Ethics Reform Bill

On November 30, ACLU-NCA Legal Director Arthur Spitzer testified before the D.C. Council Committee on Government Operations on the "Board of Ethics and Government Accountability Establishment and Comprehensive Ethics Reform Amendment Act of 2011," calling attention to many due process, free speech, and privacy problems with the bill.