News & Commentary

May 27, 2021

A Conversation with Deborah Archer

"We have a window of opportunity, a small window that is already closing, to deepen and expand the protection of fundamental civil rights and civil liberties and really tear apart the structure of systemic racism & inequality."

Deborah Archer, national ACLU president, is in the foreground. She is wearing a black shirt and blazer and is smiling, looking directly at the camera. Behind her is a leafy park.
May 12, 2021

The Chief State’s Attorney must step up to end mass incarceration

The Chief State's Attorney is up for a reappointment hearing. Here's how he responded to 10 questions from Smart Justice about his views on police accountability, prosecutorial accountability and transparency, decarceration, and racial justice.

By Claudine Constant, Anderson Curtis, Gus Marks-Hamilton

Smart Justice leader Shelby Henderson holds a white sign that says "PEOPLE NOT PRISONS" in blue ink. Behind her is a crowd waving yellow flags and carrying a banner. They are on a street in Hartford, marching.
Apr 26, 2021

Halfway through legislative session, here’s where things stand

Legislative session ends on June 9. As we head into the last weeks of session, the clock is ticking on all of these bills.

By Claudine Constant, Gus Marks-Hamilton, Anderson Curtis

ACLU-CT Smart Justice leader Terri Ricks stands in front of the CT State Capitol Building. She is wearing sunglasses and a rainbow face mask, and she holds a white sign that says, in blue letters, "FREEDOM JUST AHEAD."
Apr 21, 2021

I'm fighting for Clean Slate for my family.

I’m not just fighting for a Clean Slate for myself. I’m fighting for my daughter and all people, the family members and loved ones and communities that have been held down. The barriers associated with a record can have ripple effects for generations.

By Donald Rivers

Smart Justice leader Donald Rivers, in a blue zip up Smart Justice shirt and sunglasses, speaks at a podium during an April 21, 2021 press conference.
Apr 21, 2021

Clean Slate is about basic human rights.

I believe in accountability. When a person has served their time, they deserve a chance to move on with their life. It's the duty of this state to ensure that people will not have to face endless punishment and discrimination.

By Shelby Henderson

Smart Justice leader shelby Henderson, in a blue Smart Justice zip up and mask, speaks at a podium in front of the CT state capitol. Behind her is a blue people not prisons banner held by two other Smart Justice leaders.
Mar 31, 2021

There’s a Lot That Can Go Wrong With ‘Vaccine Passports’

Any proposal for vaccine credentials must be primarily paper-based, decentralized, and protect privacy.

By Jay Stanley, National ACLU

In this photo illustration, Excelsior Pass app which provides digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results seen displayed on a smartphone screen in front of the US flag.
Mar 22, 2021

Everyone will be better off if Connecticut ends solitary confinement

The legislature needs to pass S.B. 1059, the PROTECT Act.

ACLU-CT Smart Justice leader Tracie Bernardi stands in front of a yellow Smart Justice "People Not Prisons" poster. She is wearing a blue ACLU of Connecticut Smart Justice zip up sweatshirt, standing, and smiling.
Mar 22, 2021

Pandemics require more compassionate releases from prisons

Prisons are unhealthy places all the time, especially during disasters, epidemics, pandemics, and other public health emergencies.

A person in a red coat, black facemask, and black hood holds a sign that says "Prisons are not hospitals" in front of the Connecticut State Capitol building in December 2020.
Mar 22, 2021

Prison phone calls should be free

Connecticut should pass a law to make that happen.

ACLU-CT Smart Justice leader Brian Sullivan testifies before the judiciary committee March 22, 2021. He is seated + wearing a blue people not prisons shirt, looking slightly to the right. Behind him is a Black Lives Matter shirt on a wall.