Racial Justice

We believe in eliminating racism and in advancing racial justice, and we support and advocate for changes that actively combat racism and work toward a racially just and equitable Connecticut.

ACLU-CT Smart Justice leaders, in blue fleeces, stand side by side holding a "March for Liberation" banner. They are joining a chant.

The ACLU of Connecticut is committed to anti-racism. We believe in eliminating racism and in advancing racial justice, and we support and advocate for changes that actively combat racism and work toward a racially just and equitable Connecticut. From fighting for legislation to combat racial profiling, to litigating cases to challenge discriminatory laws, to pushing for changes to create real equity in opportunity and justice, the ACLU of Connecticut seeks to create a better Connecticut. Because of systemic racism, Connecticut's incarceration and policing systems most harm Black and Latinx people, its budgets invest in over-policing and prisons at the expense of opportunity, and barriers to voting access most disenfranchise Black and Latinx voters. Though generations of activism have led to important gains realizing our country's foundational promise of equality for all people, Connecticut is not immune to systemic racial injustice.

The Latest

News & Commentary
A group of women are standing in a hearing room at the Capitol, holding signs that says "Undocumented + Unafraid" and "Strengthen the Trust Act Now!"

Reflecting on the 2025 Legislative Session

The 2025 legislative session has come to a close, and it was certainly a trying session for all. In a session where roughly 3,800 bills were introduced, only about 380 bills were passed, rounding up to a passing rate of about ten percent.
Press Release
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ACLU of Connecticut Publishes Responses from Inspector General Candidates

The ACLU of Connecticut has released responses to its 2025 questionnaire for candidates seeking to lead the Office of the Inspector General, the agency charged with investigating police use of force.
News & Commentary
A white sign with red writing, surrounded by other protest signs and against a backdrop of trees. The sign with red writing says: END POLICE BRUTALITY NOW

Inspector General Candidates Answer ACLU of CT Questionnaire on Police Accountability and Racial Justice

The Criminal Justice Commission is interviewing the final 2025 Connecticut Inspector General candidates Tuesday, April 29th at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Here's what the finalists had to say about police accountability and racial justice.
Press Release
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ACLU of Connecticut and Advocates Respond to Bridgeport Police Staffing Report & Death of Dyshan Best

The ACLU of Connecticut condemns in strongest terms the homicide death of Dyshan Best, a resident of Bridgeport. The organization has reviewed the Inspector General's preliminary report, and has obtained a copy of the Bridgeport Police Department Staffing Report, shared below.
Court Case
Oct 23, 2020

Open Communities Alliance v Carson

With other civil rights organizations, the ACLU of Connecticut is suing over the Trump Administration's new HUD rule that would roll back critical protections for fair housing by creating unnecessary barriers for victims of housing discrimination attempting to prove discriminatory practices.
Court Case
Apr 26, 2016

Vereen v. Ruffin and Vasquez