ACLU of Texas

We and Baker Botts are back in federal court today to uphold the block on Texas’ drag ban, S.B. 12. Texas’ drag ban will impact the livelihood and free expression of LGBTQIA+ Texans and will disproportionately harm trans Texans and Texans of color. Long live Texas drag!

When we work together as Texans to defend our right to vote, we win. 👏 In response to our lawsuit, a federal district court recently struck down a provision of sweeping anti-voter law Senate Bill 1, which restricted crucial get-out-the-vote efforts in Texas. We’ll keep working to end our state’s long history of voter suppression — targeting Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and disabled voters.

The ACLU of Texas works with communities, at the State Capitol, and in the courts to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties for every Texan, no exceptions. Get to know our work in the following areas. ⬇️ 🏳️ Border and Immigrants’ Rights: We’re ensuring that Texas border communities can thrive while working to halt our state’s cruel, anti-immigrant policies. 🏳️ Free Speech and Pluralism: We’re defending Texans’ right to protest and advocating for inclusive public schools free from censorship and discrimination. 🏳️ LGBTQIA+ Equality: We’re blocking government overreach and working to protect all LGBTQIA+ Texans — especially trans youth. 🏳️ Reproductive Freedom: We’re coming together to restore and expand abortion access. 🏳️ Smart Justice: We’re challenging the racism in Texas’ criminal legal system by lowering incarceration and arrest rates. 🏳️ Voting Rights and Democracy: We’re countering efforts to suppress Texans’ right to vote and subvert the outcome of our elections. We believe in a Texas that works for all of us. Join us in building it: aclutx.org/updates

Leon Reed Jr. — an ACLU of Texas Board Member — is featured on the Wall of Honor in the Camp Bowie District in Fort Worth, Texas. ❤️ Leon served in the United States Marine Corps. After his service, Leon graduated from Texas Christian University before earning his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. “Leon has also been serving as a defense attorney for the Tarrant County Veterans Treatment Court since its inception in 2010, using his experiences as a service member and attorney to serve the needs of the participants in the program. His Marine Corps mindset, spirituality, and life experiences motivate him to serve.” Learn more about Leon Reed, Jr. and Camp Bowie District Inc.'s Hometown Hero Salute at https://lnkd.in/gK2cwZ4P.

#TEXANS: You're invited‼️💌 Learn about major #civilrights issues facing our state and how you can take action. ✊ Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, San Antonio Poet Laureate Eddie Vega, and the ACLU of Texas on Saturday, October 5, in San Antonio, Texas for our Annual Meeting. All are welcome! You don't need to be a member to attend. #Register today! Spanish interpretation will be available. aclutx.org/meeting

“There’s an infrastructure that’s necessary for nonprofit work to be effective. People in the community can’t be served if organizations don’t have what they need to do their work.” Dr. Froswa' Booker, a Board member of the ACLU of Texas, speaks about her community-building work advising and providing training for organizations, companies, and individuals — especially Black-led organizations in Texas.

🌟 Exciting Opportunity for Aspiring Civil Rights Advocates! 🌟 Are you a passionate law student eager to make a difference in the fight for civil rights and liberties? The ACLU-NBLSA legal internship program offers a unique, paid opportunity to engage in impactful legal, policy, and organizing campaigns that address the most pressing issues affecting Southern Black and Brown communities. You should be: ✅ Current Law Student ✅ Passionate about Civil Rights and Liberties ✅ Member of the National Black Law Students Association or Member of your Law School’s Black Law Students Association ✅ Strong Writer and Researcher ✅ Passionate about Civil Rights and Liberties In partnership with the National Black Law Student Association, applications are available at the 13 ACLU southern affiliates (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV). Apply by the priority deadline of October 15, 2024, or no later than November 11, 2024.  Apply here: tinyurl.com/ACLUSLIP2025

TEXAS: Learn how to become an effective abortion advocate! ⬇️ The Texas Abortion Advocacy Network Academy returns September 10! Join a network of local advocates restoring and expanding abortion access at 💥aclutx.org/taan💥 Together, we'll: 🌼 Learn from experts. 🌼 Protect access to contraceptives and family planning resources. 🌼 Build community with other Texans. We won’t stop until every Texan — from Amarillo to Laredo — can decide if, when, and how to raise a family in a safe and healthy environment. There’s a role for all of us at aclutx.org/taan.

⚠ This event was originally scheduled for August 27, but has moved to August 28. 💻 In light of the recent policy changes from DPS, the All in for Equality Coalition is hosting a webinar with policy wonks, lawyers, and community advocates to dig deeper into what this means for trans Texans who may be considering submitting requests to DPS. 🗣 Our panel will include: Carter Brown from National Black Trans Advocacy Coalition Shelly Skeen from Lambda Legal Rachel Gonzalez from Human Rights Campaign Petey Makopoulos-Senftleber from Trans Legal Aid Clinic of Texas Sofia Sepulveda from Equality Texas Ash Hall from ACLU of Texas 📌 Sign up: bit.ly/aifedps #TXDPS #EQTX #LGBTQIA #AIFE

As Texas #college #students head back to school, remember: You have a right to protest. 🗣️ ✍️ Learn about your #protest rights on public university campuses at our upcoming webinar. ⏰ Aug. 27, 2024, at 5 p.m CT Let’s stay safe this fall. Register ⬇️