News & Commentary

May 30, 2023

Defend the right to learn and read

Attempted book bans are on the rise in Connecticut. Here’s how you can push back.

A red "censored" stamp covers a stack of books and a hand holding a bullhorn. All are behind a pink filter effect.
May 12, 2023

Here's How Connecticut Could Implement a Historic New Voting Law

Introducing early voting would begin to address the state’s racist history of voter suppression.

An Afrian-American woman drops a ballot into a State of Connecticut Official Ballot Drop Box outside Hartford City Hall.
May 03, 2023

The BOPP needs to re-start the commutations process

Every person should have a chance at hope. The criminal legal system should be open to the idea of redemption and rehabilitation. We join the call for the CT Board of Pardons and Paroles (BOPP) to re-start commutations.

an individual standing at a podium speaking, only their hands and the podium are visable
Apr 04, 2023

State’s Attorney should be representing the interests of the people of Connecticut.

State’s Attorney should be representing the interests of the people of Connecticut—that includes incarcerated and formally incarcerated individuals. PEOPLE LIKE ME.

By Shelby Henderson

ACLUCT Smart Justice leader Shelby Henderson sits behind a desk, smiling at the camera, with one hand on her chin. She is behind a desk, laptop and wearing a blue people not prisons shirt, with ACLU of CT banners and a people not prisons poster behind her
Apr 04, 2023

Prosecutors hold people’s lives in their hands.

Every Connecticut resident is affected by the decisions made by Connecticut prosecutors, known as “state’s attorneys".

By Gus Marks-Hamilton

Gus Marks-Hamilton ACLU of Connecticut / ACLU-CT Smart Justice field organizer
Apr 04, 2023

Young people deserve second chances

Adolescence happens on a spectrum, and people who convicted when they were under the age of 26 should receive the same parole opportunities as young people under the age of 18 currently do.

By Tracie Bernardi

ACLUCT smart justice leader Tracie Bernardi stands facing the camera and smiling. She is wearing a blue Smart Justice zip-up and a yellow People Not Prisons pin. To her left is an ACLUCT banner that says we the people dare to create a more perfect union
Apr 04, 2023

Strip searches are dehumanizing

Strip searches are dehumanizing, humiliating, state-sanctioned trauma and sexual violence.

By Terri Ricks

ACLU CT Smart Justice leader Terri Ricks sits, smiling at the camera and wearing a brown jacket and brown hoodie.
Mar 24, 2023

We need to protect incarcerated persons while they are incarcerated and support them when they are released.

Strip searches are used to embarrass, shame and dehumanize. It's time to end the practice. Reentry is difficult without an ID. Sending people home from prison without an ID is setting them up for failure.

By Tracie Bernardi

ACLUCT smart justice leader Tracie Bernardi stands facing the camera and smiling. She is wearing a blue Smart Justice zip-up and a yellow People Not Prisons pin. To her left is an ACLUCT banner that says we the people dare to create a more perfect union
Mar 24, 2023

Formerly incarcerated people need ID's to successfully reenter society.

If the state knows a person’s identity well enough to incarcerate them, then the state can give them the proper identification when they leave.

By Curtis Hudson

Smart Justice Leader Curtis Hudson standing and smiling next to an ACLU of CT poster