The ACLU of Michigan is tracking hundreds of legal cases and pieces of legislation that impact your civil liberties at any given moment, covering all concerns from free speech to government abuse. That's why we like to point out a few cases that made the news each week, to keep our members and supporters up to date on threats in your neighborhood.
Crowd gathers to debate Dewey Hill cross (WZZM)
Hundreds packed the Loutit District Library for a panel discussion Wednesday evening, to debate whether Grand Haven should continue to raise a 48-foot cross on city-owned Dewey Hill. "If it is made open truly to all religions, and not just religions, but all people who want to express an opinion, then it's really not a problem, and everybody will have equal access," said ACLU of Michigan lawyer Michael Steinberg.
The ACLU of Michigan and religious liberty
Devastating ruling for honor student found with pocketknife (Channel 7 – WXYZ)
On Monday night, the teen along with an ACLU attorney requested lighter discipline in a special session of the Dearborn Heights school board meeting, saying she met exceptions to state law. After a closed door session lasting more than an hour, the board reversed expulsion and suspended Atiya for the rest of the school year. (Also: Click on Detroit, Dearborn Press & Guide)
ACLU Dinner Honors Local Heroes (Between The Lines)
The ACLU of Michigan will host its Annual Dinner on Nov. 7, playing host to special guest, Ta-Nehisi Coates. Coates is an Atlantic senior editor and writer, known for his original and perceptive take on pop culture, politics and history.
Buy your ticket to our annual dinner today
Forum Looks At Lessons From Ferguson (WEMU)
Ann Arbor Police Chief John Seto, Sheriff Jerry Clayton, and Michigan ACLU Field Director Rodd Monts spoke with concerned community members Wednesday night at a public meeting prompted by events in Ferguson.
The ACLU of Michigan and racial justice
Civil Rights Groups Call On UN In Detroit Water Shutoff (NewsOne)
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the ACLU of Michigan are asking the council to refer the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department shutoff campaign to federal and local governments for investigations in to violations of the Constitution, the Fair Housing Act, as well as basic civil and human rights.
The ACLU of Michigan and the Detroit water crisis
Jacques: Could your teen face child porn charges? (Detroit News)
Consider what's going on right now in Rochester Community Schools, where 30 high school students could face felony charges for sending and spreading suggestive pictures of themselves and other teens. "While there's no doubt that the students used poor judgment and should deal with the consequences of their actions, criminal charges are a hard price to pay for teens exploring their sexuality," Elmir says. "We can use this as a teachable moment without throwing the book at them."
The ACLU of Michigan and criminal justice
