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.

May 31, 2023

Charges alleging abuse of power show need to end 287(g) immigration program

When the U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment of Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins recently, it didn’t come as a surprise to see that Jenkins was charged with crimes related to abuse of power.

By Nick Taichi Steiner

People hands shown holding a protest sign that says, "No Racismo, no 287g."
May 30, 2023

Explore the Richness of Korean Culture through my Favorite Recipes

My family history is deeply intertwined with the economic, political, and historical dynamics of both Korea and Hawaii in the early 1900s.

By Olivia Spaccasi

Olivia Spaccasi is standing with three family members. They are outside in Hawaii with trees, a house, and a blue sky behind them.
May 23, 2023

12 AAPI Advocates and Organizations You Need to Know

Highlighting Asian American and Pacific Islander activists and organizations, from Maryland and nationwide, from history to current heroes.

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Collage of images of organizations and people who are featured in the "12 AAPI Advocates and Organizations You Need to Know" shoutout blog.
May 17, 2023

Fearless Black Residents on the Brink of History as They Challenge an All-White Town’s Racist Election System

Federal District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher ordered the Federalsburg town government to produce a new plan by May 23.

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Group of plaintiffs and advocates from Federalsburg, Maryland, and lawyers from the ACLU of Maryland stand outside of a court buidling. A reporter is holding a microphone up to plaintiff Roberta Butler.
Apr 25, 2023

Cedarville Band of the Piscataway Indians seeks eviction reprieve from Charles County land

For the past two weeks, Proctor and the Cedarville Band of the Piscataway Indians have been operating under the assumption they will be forced to leave their ancestral winter hunting grounds.

Display of history, photos, and pieces of pottery from a class the Cedarville Band of the Pisctaway Indians offered at their cultural center.
Mar 15, 2023

Commentary: The smell of marijuana and the stain of racism

As of July 1, 2023, marijuana will be legal in Maryland. There is no reason why the odor of a legal substance should continue to be used as a tool by law enforcement to stop and search people, especially when police have disproportionately stopped and searched Black and Brown people.

By Yanet Amanuel, Dana Vickers Shelley

Advocates are pressing for a bill that would remove marijuana odor as the basis for reasonable suspicion for a police investigation. Stock.adobe.com photo by Alixandria Chen.
Mar 07, 2023

Marylanders Took Action on Lobby Day 2023

ACLU staff and their family members, activists, students, community leaders, and concerned residents from all corners of Maryland came together to meet with their state legislators in Annapolis and advocate for a better Maryland for each other.

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Group photo of ACLU of Maryland staff and advocates from across the state at the Lobby Day event on February 20, 2023.
Feb 13, 2023

Opinion: To protect Black lives, Maryland’s new leaders must act swiftly to expose and prevent police-involved deaths

The brutal killing of Tyre Nichols is yet another example of police violence against Black people, and again raises the familiar question: What will it take to end it? In Maryland, let’s start with the truth.

By Sonia Kumar

Person holds a rally sign that says, "Examine the Medical Examiner."
Jan 19, 2023

Checklist of What Your Child Needs to Succeed Academically

As children around Maryland return to schools after winter break, it is our duty to ensure they have everything they need to succeed academically. The State of Maryland’s constitution guarantees that right, after all!

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Photo of a teacher and children in a circle holding hands with happy expressions. The photo has a yellow and white gradient overlay. There's a backpack cutout in the bottom left.