News & Commentary

Collage image with poictures of women highlighted in the blog: Pauline Tsui, Elisabeth Gilman, Gloria Richardson Dandridge, Fannie Birckhead, Harriet Tubman, Sharon Brackett, Rachel Carson, and Carmen Delgado Votaw.

41 Inspiring Women from Maryland History You Need to Know

More important and fascinating women are newly added to the latest edition of our Women’s History heroes celebration this year!

By Nehemiah Bester

Latest Press Release

Oct 2, 2026

ACLU of Maryland Statement on DOJ Lawsuit Challenging Maryland and Local Limits on Masked, Unidentified Federal Officers

This lawsuit is an attempt to shield federal agents from the same standards we expect of every other officer who serves our communities. We stand with Maryland and local leaders who are working to keep our communities safe, informed, and free from fear.
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More from the Press

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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Apr 29, 2022

No Justice, No Peace: Prince George’s County Needs Real Police Accountability Now!

We seek a strong and courageous Council to do what is right by their constituents! We deserve better.

Black and white selfie photo of Beverly John, Coordinator, Prince George’s County Coalition for Police Accountability
Mar 10, 2022

White Supremacy is the Foul Soup We All Swim In – and We’re Done Treading Water

We know creating lasting, equitable change is possible, and the time for business as usual has passed.

By Dana Vickers Shelley

Dana Vickers Shelley is in the foreground and a picture of the ACLU sign and brick wall is in the background with a dark gray brown overlay.
Feb 02, 2022

A War on Marijuana, or a War on Black Communities?

How Maryland’s legal issue with marijuana enabled white supremacy and what we must do about it.

By Nehemiah Bester

Marijuana leaf with a dark and light green photoshop treatment on it to look like there are lines through it.
Jan 18, 2022

Opinion: Coalition Wants to Be Heard by MSDE Workgroup on English Language Learners (Maryland Matters)

Labor Day weekend, the Community Workgroup on ELLs began the work of forming a grass-roots coalition to monitor, provide input to and improve the policy recommendations of the Workgroup on English Language Learners in Public Schools.

Students in CASA’s Mi Espacio afterschool program. Submitted photo.
Dec 20, 2021

Nehemiah Bester’s 12 Must-Reads of 2021

A collection from the ACLU of Maryland.

By Nehemiah Bester

Nehemiah Bester is a Black man with short hair and a beard, and is wearing a sport jacket, collared shirt, and tie. Image has a burgundy and white gradient map color profile.
Nov 08, 2021

ACLU MD to County Council: Create a 2nd Majority Black District (Testimony & OpEd)

Full testimony published as an OpEd on Forward Baltimore on November 8, 2021.

By Justin Nalley

ACLU of Maryland 90 Years logo - square
Nov 01, 2021

Veto Overrides Now: Time to Finally Enact Parole Reform and Protect Immigrants

Our legislators must override Governor Hogan’s vetoes to create a better Maryland for all.

Override Governor Hogan's vetoes. Image is a white outline of the statehouse and burgund background. Text has light blue highlight boxes around it.
Oct 27, 2021

Spooky! What Civil Rights Violations Scare Us Most This Halloween Season

Together, we can prevent a scary future and build a better community.

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Oct 20, 2021

Talk to Kids About Race in Schools? Yes, We Should.

Cultural relevancy and race equity learning belong in the classroom.

By

Several children are in a circle holding lifted up hands and are with an adult. They are all smiling and laughing.