ACLU of the District of Columbia
LightNews LightNews
banner
aclu-dc.bsky.social
ACLU of the District of Columbia
@aclu-dc.bsky.social
1.4K followers 230 following 390 posts
We are devoted to ensuring free speech, equal rights, and other civil liberties in D.C. Press inquiries: [email protected] #DCStatehood
https://www.acludc.org/
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
aclu-dc.bsky.social
ACLU of the District of Columbia @aclu-dc.bsky.social · Aug 16
Let’s be clear: the National Guard troops, federal law enforcement, and D.C. police cannot violate the Constitution or the D.C. Home Rule Act.

Understanding your rights can help you make the best decision for yourself if approached by law enforcement.
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Sending troops onto American streets puts all our basic rights at risk. Sam O'Hara—a District resident who was handcuffed and detained after playing the "Imperial March" theme to protest troops in D.C.—has an important message to share during this critical moment: Stay resilient.
November 7, 2025 at 9:17 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Sending troops onto American streets puts all our basic rights at risk. Sam O'Hara—a District resident who was handcuffed and detained after playing the "Imperial March" theme to protest troops in D.C.—has an important message to share during this critical moment: Stay resilient.
November 7, 2025 at 9:17 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Usually, students and young people have the same rights as anyone else under the First Amendment. In schools, however, students' First Amendment rights are not absolute.

Read our guide to learn more about how the First Amendment applies to students: www.acludc.org/know-your-ri...
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AT SCHOOL IN D.C. - ACLU of DC
You don’t lose your rights just because you enter a school!
www.acludc.org
November 7, 2025 at 7:14 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
This Supreme Court decision not only undermines the ACLU's ongoing lawsuit against the Trump admin.'s discriminatory policy, it also undermines transgender people's freedom to have their government documents reflect their identity.

Transgender people deserve equal treatment and equal dignity, too.
chrisgeidner.bsky.social Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · 3d
BREAKING: The Supreme Court will allow the Trump administration to enforce its anti-trans and anti-nonbinary passport policy during litigation.

The unsigned, four-paragraph order effectively reverses two lower-court decisions. The Democratic appointees dissent.

More to come: www.lawdork.com
SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES No. 25A319 DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, ET AL. v. ASHTON ORR, ET AL. ON APPLICATION FOR STAY [November 6, 2025] This case concerns an Executive Branch policy requiring all new passports to display an individual’s biological sex at birth. The United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts preliminarily enjoined the Government from enforcing the policy, and the First Circuit declined to stay the injunction pending appeal. The Government then filed this stay application. Applying our familiar stay fac- tors at this preliminary stage, we grant the application.
November 6, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Reposted by ACLU of the District of Columbia
aclu.org
BREAKING: The Supreme Court granted the Trump administration's request to enforce its discriminatory passport policy while our lawsuit makes its way through the courts.

This decision undermines the freedom of transgender, non-binary, and intersex people to have our IDs reflect who we are.
November 6, 2025 at 8:39 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Barbara Cameron dedicated her life to creating support networks for her Indigenous queer community in San Francisco. Her legacy inspires our work to build community safety and agency in D.C., protecting and advancing civil liberties and rights for everyone in the District.
Sepia-toned image of Barbara Cameron standing on a balcony, with quote: “It's important for us as Indian People, as we reclaim and revitalize our languages and traditions, to include the heritage and contributions of Indian lesbians and gay men.' Text identifies her as a two-spirit activist for Indigenous and queer rights. A Native American Heritage Month banner and ACLU logo appear below."
November 6, 2025 at 2:32 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
With National Guard troops stationed in D.C. through at least February 2026, it's important to know your rights if you're stopped by law enforcement or military troops in the District. ⤵️
Graphic with black background and a red and black dual-tone image of a DC metropolitan police officer running horizontal across the top of the graphic. Below red and white text reads: “What to do when you’re stopped by law enforcement or national guard troops.” At the bottom of the image is the ACLU-DC graphic to the left and a red right-pointing arrow to the right.
November 5, 2025 at 9:11 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
We’re disappointed that the D.C. Council continues to focus on punishment rather than creating opportunities for youth in the District—like jobs, programming, and safe places to be at night—that recognize their full humanity.
maustermuhle.bsky.social Martin Austermuhle @maustermuhle.bsky.social · 5d
NEWS: The D.C. Council has approved a three-month extension of the expanded juvenile curfew that was in place during the summer. It applies to more kids and lets MPD designate temporary areas where the curfew is 8 p.m. (Standard curfew time is 11 p.m.)
November 5, 2025 at 2:58 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Last week the Secretary of Defense extended the National Guard deployment in D.C. to February 2026. President Trump’s unprecedented siege shows just how dangerous it is for D.C. to continue to be denied statehood. 1/2

https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/29/politics/national-guard-dc-extension-february-2026
Exclusive: National Guard orders in DC extended through February 2026 | CNN Politics
National Guard troops deployed in Washington, DC will remain mobilized in the city at least through February 2026, according to people familiar with the Guard’s orders.
www.cnn.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:47 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
A federal court issued the ACLU a Halloween treat on Friday by permanently blocking part of President Trump's executive order unnecessarily requiring documentary proof-of-citizenship on the federal voter registration form—a policy that would've disproportionately impacted voters of color.
November 3, 2025 at 8:05 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
“I think people should be watching D.C. And the rest of the nation should say we're gonna resist when they start with D.C.”

Listen to our E.D. Monica Hopkins & @wkamaubell.bsky.social discuss the national impacts of Pres. Trump's D.C. power grab, D.C. resistance & more:
www.aclu.org/podcast/depl...
Deployments At Our Doorstep | American Civil Liberties Union
As federal agents and military troops arrive in their cities across the country, communities have used pop culture references, humor, and irreverence as an act of resilience.
www.aclu.org
November 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
We said it before and we'll say it again: the president’s actions are not about safety, they're intended to consolidate power and create fear in the nation’s capital.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-recruits-federal-officers-police-washington-dc-2025-10-30/
Trump administration seeks more federal police officers in Washington, DC
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has launched a website to recruit more law enforcement officers to police Washington, D.C., as it seeks to expand its control over the nation's capital.
www.reuters.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:14 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Poet and activist Andrea Gibson—like so many other LGBTQ+ people—understood intimately that existence itself is a political act, and carried that understanding into their writing, focusing on topics like on gender, queerness, social justice, life, and death.
Stylized black-and-white photo of poet and activist Andrea Gibson wearing a coat, t-shirt, and necklace. On the right side, in bold red and pink text, is their quote: “Personally, my process doesn’t look like me understanding my gender and then writing down what I understand. Instead I write about gender so I can understand who I am. It’s a constant exploration and I love that I don’t expect to reach a finish line with it, ever.” Below, in red text: “Andrea Gibson, Poet, activist.” The bottom right shows a red banner that reads “LGBTQ History Month,” and the bottom left features the red ACLU logo.
October 31, 2025 at 8:00 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Military troops have no place policing civilians in the United States. The only thing President Trump's brazen D.C. power grab is achieving is wasting tax dollars and the military's time while putting D.C. residents' safety and constitutional rights at risk.

www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
National guard deployment in Washington DC extended until February
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth gives approval for troops to remain in US capital past November end, CNN reports
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:58 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Make no mistake: President Trump's recent national security memo aims to target activists and advocacy organizations that he perceives as political opponents.
https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/how-nspm-7-seeks-to-use-domestic-terrorism-to-target-nonprofits-and-activists
How NSPM-7 Seeks to Use "Domestic Terrorism" to Target Nonprofits and Activists | ACLU
What President Donald Trump’s latest memorandum targeting civil society does, does not, and cannot do.
www.aclu.org
October 29, 2025 at 9:30 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Encountering police, federal agents, or military troops in D.C.? At this critical moment, knowledge is power. Here are some phrases to use to exercise your civil rights in various situations. 1/3
Bold black letters in all caps that read: “Know Your Rights” are highlighted in red and set against a black background. Below is white text that reads: “Phrases to use.” At the bottom of the graphic is a black-and-white collage image of National Guard troops, a photo of a hand writing, a bullhorn, and a hand holding a protest sign with an open mouth, and white scribbles, all set against a red abstract shape. The ACLU-D.C. logo is in the top right corner. Bold black letters in all caps that read: “Am I free to go?” are highlighted in red and set against a black background. Below is white text that reads: “You can use this phrase if you’re on the streets or in public and you’re stopped by police, federal agents, or military troops. You may ask if you are free to leave at any point in your interaction. If the answer is “yes,” you are free to walk away. If the answer is no, you have been stopped and must remain where you are until you’ve been told that you are free to go. Government officials cannot detain you without at least reasonable suspicion that you have or are about to commit a crime or are in the process of doing so.” The ACLU-D.C. logo is in the bottom right corner. Black letters in all caps that read: “I want to remain silent” highlighted in red against a black background. Below is white text that reads: “You don’t have to answer a government official's questions except if you’re stopped for certain traffic, parking, or pedestrian offenses, when you must provide your name and address if asked. If you don’t want to answer a question, say, “I want to remain silent.” There are additional considerations worth keeping in mind if you are not a citizen. Generally, you have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status (or anything else). If you are not a U.S. citizen, the law may require you to carry specific immigration documents for your specific immigration status and provide them when a government official requests your immigration papers. If you invoke your right to remain silent and/or do not have the proper papers, an immigration officer might detain you for longer to verify your citizenship status.”
October 29, 2025 at 5:07 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
When the U.S. accepted the Statue of Liberty 139 years ago, we also accepted her call to care for the tired, the poor, those yearning to be free. The ACLU-D.C. remains committed to this call by protecting the civil liberties and rights, and advancing justice for all in D.C.
A graphic with a light blue background and a dark blue and white dual tone image of the Statue of Liberty with dark blue text that reads: "Liberty and justice for all." A red line is underneath the word "all" to add emphasis. The ACLU-D.C. logo is in the bottom left corner.
October 28, 2025 at 10:37 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Make no mistake: Flooding D.C. streets with federal agents and military troops is putting everyone's safety and rights at risk.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/10/27/dc-traffic-stop-shooting-dispute/
A D.C. task force shot at a driver. It’s not in the police report.
Neither D.C. police nor the Department of Homeland Security have explained why the Homeland Security agent fired his weapon.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:39 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Every student in the United States has constitutional & other fundamental rights—you don’t lose your rights just because you enter a school. It's important to understand your rights & know how to defend them. And we at the ACLU-D.C. are committed to protecting students’ rights. 1/2
October 27, 2025 at 11:33 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Considered a founder of the Trans Rights Movement, Sir Lady Java was an LA-raised drag queen, comedian, exotic dancer, & so much more. A steadfast advocate for protecting trans rights & drag, she even went to court with the ACLU to fight to protect her trans & LGBTQ+ community.
Stylized black-and-white photo of Sir Lady Java, a Black transgender woman with voluminous hair, wearing a sparkly fringed outfit and choker necklace, holding one arm up. On the right side, in bold red and pink text, is her quote: “There was nothing to help us. No one cared. So I had to care, and I kept on, kept on and kept on.” Below, in red text: “SIR LADY JAVA, Transgender rights activist, drag icon.” The bottom right shows a red banner that reads “LGBTQ History Month,” and the bottom left features the red ACLU logo.
October 27, 2025 at 6:21 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
“My protest is to make sure that everyone knows that this is coming from the top. These orders are coming from an administration that seeks to use fear and tactics to make sure their power extends to branches of government where it doesn’t belong.”

https://wapo.st/4o5QHgI
Man detained for protesting National Guard with Star Wars song sues
Sam O’Hara filmed National Guard troops in D.C. while playing “The Imperial March” on his phone. He never thought his protest would lead to his being detained.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 24, 2025 at 8:53 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
ICYMI:

Maryland Transit Administration is offering furloughed federal workers free rides on commuter buses and MARC trains for the duration of the government shutdown: https://bit.ly/4ngyXxV
State adds free MARC, bus service to assistance for federal workers at shutdown resource fair - Maryland Matters
Governments and businesses have been offering resources to affected workers since the start of the government shutdown, and Gov. Wes Moore on Friday added free rides on commuter buses and MARC trains ...
marylandmatters.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:14 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Let's make one thing very clear: The right to read is protected under the First Amendment, and that right doesn't go away in prison.
Blue graphic with bold white and yellow text that reads: “Jails and prisons ban more books than all public schools and libraries combined. Incarceration shouldn’t strip us of our right to read.” The word “combined” is highlighted in yellow. The image includes two abstract shapes: one with red jail bars and another showing a stack of books in yellow and blue. The bottom left features the ACLU logo in yellow.
October 24, 2025 at 4:10 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
“We need to fight back,” Carballo said. “We need to be resilient. We need to stand up for our rights and, of course, right now, it’s very difficult. But we know that we will overcome.”

https://wtop.com/dc/2025/10/dc-area-immigrants-face-challenges-under-trump-administration/
DC-area immigrants face challenges under Trump administration - WTOP News
WTOP spoke the D.C. region’s immigrant community members for their feedback on President Donald Trump’s moves against immigrants and their responses.
wtop.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:45 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
BREAKING NEWS: Today, on behalf of D.C. resident Sam O’Hara, we’re suing an Ohio National Guard member and four Metropolitan Police Department officers for violating his constitutional rights and D.C. law—simply for playing a song. 🧵
A graphic with a black background and two glowing lines running vertical from top to bottom, one blue and one red, to represent light sabers. A screenshot from a case filed on behalf of Sam O’Hara by the ACLU-D.C., suing an Ohio National Guard member and four Metropolitan Police Department officers for violating his constitutional rights and D.C. law. The ACLU-D.C. logo is in the bottom right corner. A graphic with a black background and two glowing lines running vertical from top to bottom, one blue and one red, to represent light sabers and white text that reads: “The government doesn’t get to decide whether or not your protest is funny.” The ACLU-D.C. logo is in the bottom right corner.
October 23, 2025 at 2:05 PM