Racial Justice

ACLU-TN works to preserve and extend constitutionally-guaranteed civil liberties and civil rights to people who have historically been denied their rights on the basis of race and ethnicity. ACLU-TN fights to stop discrimination and to ensure equal opportunities for communities of color.

A black male protestor speaks into a megaphone

ACLU-TN works to preserve and extend constitutionally-guaranteed civil liberties and civil rights to people who have historically been denied their rights on the basis of race and ethnicity. From advancing voting rights and criminal justice reform to combatting racial profiling, selective enforcement of drug laws, and the school-to-prison pipeline, ACLU-TN fights to stop discrimination based on race and ethnicity and to ensure equal opportunities for communities of color.

The Latest

Press Release
Stylized collage featuring the scales of justice, a judge’s gavel, and a person speaking—symbolizing law, accountability, and the power of public voice.

ACLU-TN Challenges Government Overreach with Vigil & Court Action

ACLU-TN leads dual actions against government overreach with a Mason, TN vigil condemning ICE detentions and a court brief opposing the National Guard deployment.
Press Release
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Plaintiffs file federal suit to overturn Tennessee’s Aggravated Prostitution statute

Tennessee’s Aggravated Prostitution statute and related sex offender registration requirements are unconstitutional and violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), according to our federal lawsuit filed against the state.
Press Release
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ACLU-TN Statement on “Obscene” Books Bill Being Sent to Summer Study

Press Release
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ACLU-TN Urges Veto of Bill Chilling Discussion of Race, Gender, LGBTQ Issues in Higher Ed

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee today sent a letter to Governor Bill Lee urging him to veto SB 2290/HB 2670, which would chill discussions about race, gender, and LGBTQ issues in Tennessee’s public colleges and universities.
Legislation
Mar 11, 2024

Protect Tennessee schools from harmful censorship lawsuits.

Allows any parent with a child eligible to attend a school operated by a local LEA or public charter school to sue the LEA or charter school, if they believe they aren’t enforcing Public Chapter 744, a 2022 law aimed at censoring and restricting students from learning about race and gender in school
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jan 22, 2024

Citizen's Arrest Bill

HB 0994/SB 0908 would expand the citizen's arrest law and allow individuals to threaten deadly force merely if the individual feels “threatened,” resulting in a greater threat to life and property and raising serious civil liberties concerns.
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jun 03, 2021

2021 Legislative Session Review

Legislation
Jan 30, 2017

ACLU-TN 2017 Legislative Agenda