Issues

The ACLU of Maryland aims to preserve and extend constitutional and statutory rights to persons who have historically been discriminated against on the basis of race. We have also assumed the additional charge of helping Maryland overcome the stains of a history of legal segregation that manifests itself in structural and institutional racism that still exists. That legacy expresses itself in rural areas like the Eastern Shore as well as in Baltimore City, where historic racism has contributed to a concentration of people with low income within a densely populated urban setting now undergoing economic transition.

The goal of the ACLU of Maryland’s work on freedom of religion and belief is to guarantee that all are free to follow and practice their faith – or no faith at all – without governmental influence or interference. Government must not prefer religion over non-religion nor favor particular faiths over others. At the same time, the ACLU acts to protect the equally important and related constitutional right to exercise and express religious beliefs and individual conscience.

The ACLU of Maryland works to protect everyone's right to make informed decisions free from government interference about whether and when to become a parent. Personal privacy and reproductive rights are among our most important constitutional liberties. We work to protect access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care and to ensure that the government respects and supports reproductive freedom.

The ACLU of Maryland is dedicated to helping people who are incarcerated and their families in the struggle to ensure that their Constitutional rights are protected. Our guiding principles are that the Constitution does not cease to exist at the prison gate and that the Constitution must protect every person’s dignity, safety and humanity.

Every child should learn in a nurturing environment that fosters growth, promotes safety, and maintains a system of rules that are applied fairly and equitably. The ACLU has aimed a spotlight on the inconsistent and ineffective discipline policies across Maryland school districts that have led to disproportionate rates of suspension and expulsion for Black students and students with disabilities.

Since 2002, the ACLU has advocated for local, state, and federal funding to improve old and inadequate school facilities in Baltimore City and in other districts with low wealth in Maryland.

The ACLU shapes and informs policy areas that impact teaching, learning, and the ability to provide students with opportunities to succeed in the classroom, working to ensure that hard-won Bradford and Thornton funds are well spent.

ACLU of Maryland's voting work focuses on voting rights and elections.