News & Commentary

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The Banned Books That Helped Shape Who We Are

In honor of this year’s Banned Books Week, some of our staff members are sharing their favorite banned books. From coming-of-age stories to challenging topics, or simply stories of resistance and history, these are some of our most cherished literary works that remind us why the fight against censorship is a fight worth having for our freedom to read.

By Nehemiah Bester, Stefany Thomas, Melody Vidmar, Dana Vickers Shelley, Danielle Tyler

Latest Press Release

Oct 23, 2026

Historic Court Victory Affirms Maryland’s Freedom to Read Act, Protecting Students’ Access to Books

First court decision under landmark state law affirms protections for students’ freedom to read following powerful community-led advocacy
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

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.

Image says "Spooky!" Background is balck with white specks. Dark yellow triangles are on the right and left sides.
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.
Oct 20, 2021

MURPHY/HELDRETH: Time for State’s Attorney Braveboy to Reveal Dangerous-Officer List

OpEd published in The Washington Informer on October 20, 2021.

MURPHY/HELDRETH: Time for State’s Attorney Braveboy to Reveal Dangerous-Officer List
Oct 06, 2021

Abortion Rights Are On the Line

New Supreme Court Session Begins

Ellen Hutton, Lorena Diaz, Sergio España, and Amy Cruice hold abortion rights protest signs at a rally in Annapolis to defend abortion.
Oct 05, 2021

Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month 2021

To kick off #LatinxHeritageMonth, ACLU of Maryland staff members shared what makes them proud of their Latinx heritage.

By Lorena Magdalena Diaz

Latinx Heritage Month 2021. Image shows rectangles, a triangle, and squiggly lines, in bright colors.
Oct 01, 2021

Here is What You Need to Know: New Laws Taking Effect This October

Want to find out about what new Maryland laws are going into effect October 1 that could affect you and your civil rights? Check out our list below.

By , Caylin Young

Maryland State House in Annapolis has a bitmap treatment over it with pink and blue angled lines.
Sep 27, 2021

Blame state inaction for the condition of Baltimore schools

OpEd published in The Baltimore Sun on September 27, 2021.

By Frank Patinella

A crossing guard is guiding two students across a street.
Sep 23, 2021

How Black and Latinx Officers Blew the Whistle on Racism and Won

“People lost their jobs, some were demoted, some were driven out, and community members were killed.”

By , Meredith Curtis Goode

HNLEA v. PGPD victory. Pictured from left to right: Joe Perez, Sonya Zollicoffer, and Thomas Boone.
Aug 17, 2021

2021 Freedom Ride: What Can the Past Teach Us?

Civil rights leaders, religious officials, activists, and elected officials take a “Freedom Ride” from Annapolis to Ocean City.

By

Maryland's Freedom Summer bus beside a sign celebrating the icon Harriet Tubman.