Yanet Amanuel is a Black woman in the center of the phoot. She has long braids and is wearing a bright red short-sleeved shirt.

Yanet Amanuel

Public Policy Director

Public Policy

Bio

Yanet Amanuel is the director of public policy at the ACLU of Maryland. Yanet began her advocacy journey as a student at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a B.A. in Sociology. She has since held several impactful roles, including serving as Chief of Staff for a Prince George’s County Delegate, Region 7 Adult Representative on the NAACP National Youth Works Committee, Young Adult Chair of the Prince George’s County NAACP, and Policy Advocate at the Job Opportunities Task Force. Most recently, Yanet co-led the Maryland Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability, driving the ACLU’s legislative efforts to repeal the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights and reform the Maryland Public Information Act to ensure transparency in police misconduct cases. She has also led successful legislative advocacy campaigns that resulted in the passage of the Child Interrogation Protection Act, the prohibition of warrantless police searches based on the odor of marijuana, and the removal of the Governor from the parole process for individuals serving life sentences.

Featured Work

News & Commentary
A group of Maryland advocates and Senator Carter are in Laywer's Mall holding signs in support of the Maryland Second Look Act.d
  • Legal Justice System|
  • +2 Issues

Let’s Believe in the Power of People to Change

Thankfully, legislators are listening to this positive movement, led by mostly Black families, people who’ve come home, and their loved ones. Let’s join them to support the Maryland Second Look Act and the power of people to change.
News & Commentary
Celebrating Black History & Futures. Spotify playlist embed on right side. Follow us on Spotify and listen to the full playlist there.
  • Racial Justice

A Musical Love Letter to Black History & Futures

A Memoir of Songs from the Black Staff at ACLU of Maryland

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Day of Action: Justice for Children & Incarcerated Marylanders. Monday, February 19, 2024. Group photo of advocates and directly impacted Marylanders in Annapolis on Lobby Night for 2024 Maryland Legislative session.
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Un Día de Lobby Memorable

En Annapolis, celebramos un Día de Acción, principalmente por los derechos de los niños, para aprobar algunos buenos proyectos de ley.
News & Commentary
Day of Action: Justice for Children & Incarcerated Marylanders. Monday, February 19, 2024. Group photo of advocates and directly impacted Marylanders in Annapolis on Lobby Night for 2024 Maryland Legislative session.
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A Lobby Day to Remember

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