News & Commentary

Mar 08, 2022

Five reasons why we need accountability for State's Attorneys

State's Attorneys are among the most powerful and least accountable actors in Connecticut's criminal legal system.

In the background, a photo of the CT Capitol. Overlaid in a yellow square, in blue font, it says, "5 reasons why we need accountability for state's attorneys." the ACLU-CT logo in white is in the bottom right corner
Mar 08, 2022

There's no room for forgiveness in the current system. That has to change.

I'm a mental health clinician, a parent, a husband, a homeowner, and I am passionate about helping people. The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction on occupational licensing are demoralizing and cruel.

By Manuel Sandoval

ACLU of Connecticut / ACLU-CT smart justice leader Manny rallies at UConn
Mar 03, 2022

Barriers to reentry hurt our families, including children.

A criminal conviction has the unintended consequence of being a conviction for the whole family. And family problems will become community problems.

By Tyran Sampson

Image description: Tyran Sampson, ACLU-CT Smart Justice leader, stands, facing the camera. He is wearing a blue ACLU of Connecticut Smart Justice zip-up sweatshirt, a navy blue hat, and has a mask pulled down. He looks serious.
Mar 03, 2022

I want to use my skills to help people. Employment discrimination stands in my way.

People, like myself, living with a record have a lot to contribute to Connecticut, and we should be eliminating barriers to employment and licensing so that people can become truly successful members of this state.

By Alex Brown

Image description: Alex Brown, ACLU-CT Smart Justice leader, stands, smiling directly at the camera. She is wearing a blue People Not Prisons t-shirt and black long-sleeved shirt under it. Her long brown hair is in a ponytail.
Mar 02, 2022

Let’s start including these workers in employment protections

When someone has earned the right to be part of society after arrest or conviction, they should have the right to support themselves and their loved ones, just like everyone else.

By Anderson Curtis

ACLUCT senior policy organizer Anderson Curtis stands with a white sign that says "I wasn't sentenced to a lifetime of discrimination." He wears a blue people not prisons shirt and sweatshirt and blue hat, glasses. He is leaning on a gray stone building
Mar 01, 2022

Stop housing discrimination against people living with a record

All people, including those who have been through the criminal legal system, should have the right to safe and stable housing.

By Will Roberts

ACLUCT smart justice leader Will stands with a cardboard sign that says, in black and white, "dismantle the mass incarceration system." Behind him is the CT Capitol. he is wearing a mask and a sweatshirt, and yellow people not prison pin
Feb 25, 2022

Youth need care, not cops

We're proud to be in solidarity with the Community First Coalition's Care Not Cops campaign.

By Claudine Constant

Claudine Fox ACLUCT public policy and advocacy director delivers a speech through a bullhorn. She wears a blue people not prisons hoodie and black coat. behind her, Barbara Fair holds a sign that says human life matters.
Feb 10, 2022

Smart Justice leader Curtis B. Hudson speaks out for the PROTECT Act with Stop Solitary CT

"It is a shame that we have to be here still fighting for a bill that was passed last year, but here we are and the barbaric use of solitary confinement in prison must end."

ACLUCT smart justice leader Curtis B. Hudson stands in front of the CT Capitol steps. He is wearing a black and white fedora, sunglasses, black mask, black trenchcoat, and blue Smart Justice shirt, and black gloves, and he is holding a clipboard.
Feb 05, 2022

Speaking out for Compassionate Releases with the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition

COVID-19 remains a threat to the lives and health of people who are incarcerated in Connecticut prisons and jails.

blue aclu of connecticut people not prisons poster in front of Connecticut governor's mansion