News
ACLU of Colorado Statement on the Aurora Independent Investigation Into Elijah McClain’s Death
February 23, 2021 DENVER – The following statement can be attributed to Mark Silverstein, Legal Director for ACLU of Colorado. “The Aurora independent investigation report confirms in stark terms what the community has long understood: Aurora police killed Elijah McClain. Mr. McClain was the innocent victim of multiple violations of longstanding law that is supposed to limit the authority of law enforcement. Aurora police had no grounds to stop Mr. McClain in the first place. They had.... | Read More
ACLU Challenges Subdivision Rules Prohibiting Residents From Displaying Pride Flags, Social Justice Signs
February 23, 2021 DENVER – ACLU of Colorado filed suit today in federal court to challenge a subdivision’s rules that arbitrarily prohibit residents from displaying certain flags and signs on their own property. David Pendery, the ACLU’s client, wishes to display a Pride flag at his home to convey solidarity with LGBTQ+ families like his. He also wants to post a “We believe …” sign to encourage inclusivity and kindness. But both signs are prohibited by the rules of the Whispering Pines.... | Read More
Victory in Fort Collins: Court Rules Camping Ban Prosecution Violates Constitution
February 9, 2021 DENVER – The Larimer County District Court ruled that the City of Fort Collins violated the Constitution when it prosecuted Adam Wiemold, an unhoused Fort Collins man, for sleeping in his vehicle overnight at a designated rest stop when other shelter was not accessible. “The district court ruled that it violates the Constitution to prosecute people for sleeping outdoors when indoor shelter is not available to them,” said Mark Silverstein, ACLU of Colorado Legal Director..... | Read More
Colorado Coalition Condemns Hickenlooper for Vote Against Stimulus
300 Colorado Advocates Call on Senator to Protect Undocumented Immigrants February 8, 2021 DENVER – In a letter released Monday, February 8, a coalition of 300 concerned organizations, elected officials, businesses and community members called on Sen. John Hickenlooper to commit to supporting Colorado’s impacted communities and to deliver the necessary aid and protection he promised to all Coloradans. The letter came in response to the senator’s symbolic vote to block stimulus payments.... | Read More
Redemption Campaign: NFL Athletes Speak Out
In a series of ads, Justin Simmons, Alexander Johnson and De’Vante Bausby, activists and NFL professional athletes for the Denver Broncos, urge Governor Polis to use his clemency powers to safely release people from prison and fight mass incarceration. The ads are the centerpiece of the launch of Colorado’s Redemption Campaign, a statewide initiative to safely release thousands of people who pose no public safety risk from Colorado prisons by challenging Governor Polis to use existing clemency.... | Read More
ACLU of Colorado Welcomes Deborah J. Richardson as New Executive Director
DENVER – ACLU of Colorado is pleased to announce Deborah J. Richardson as its new Executive Director. She will lead the organization in its mission to protect, defend and extend the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Colorado. Most recently, Ms. Richardson was the Executive Director of the International Human Trafficking Institute of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta and was formerly its Executive Vice President. She will officially assume the position of.... | Read More