Press Releases

ACLU of Arkansas Files Lawsuit Challenging Retaliatory Firing of Library Director Patty Hector

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Patty Hector, the former director of the Saline County Library, against Saline County Judge Matthew Brumley and Saline County.
Issue Areas: Free Speech

Federal Court Strikes Down Unconstitutional Provisions of Arkansas’s Censorship Law

Today, in a resounding victory for free speech and intellectual freedom, a federal district court struck down key provisions of Arkansas’s censorship law, Act 372, as unconstitutional.

ACLU of Arkansas Files Lawsuit Against State Police Officer for Violating Civil Rights at Public Event

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas today announced the filing of a federal lawsuit against Arkansas State Police Sergeant Dakotah Bailey for violating the constitutional rights of De’Jarnette Johnson during this year’s annual Benton-Bryant Salt Bowl.
Court Cases: Johnson v. Bailey

ACLU of Arkansas Welcomes Staff Attorney Shelby Shroff and Legal Fellow Hadiyah Cummings

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas is pleased to announce the hiring of Shelby Shroff as a new staff attorney and Hadiyah Cummings as a legal fellow. Both bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for civil liberties to their respective roles.

ACLU of Arkansas Statement on the Associated Press Calling the 2024 Presidential Election for Donald Trump

In response to the federal election results, Holly Dickson, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arkansas, issued the following statement:

Civil Rights Groups Tell Federal Appeals Court that Protections for Pregnant Workers Cover Abortion Care

On Friday, a broad coalition of labor, workers’ rights, and gender justice organizations filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in support of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) regulations implementing the landmark Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

ACLU Urges Eighth Circuit to Protect Students' Right to Learn about Race in School  

The American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU affiliates within the Eighth Circuit, and PEN America filed a friend-of-the-court brief today in Walls v. Sanders, a First Amendment challenge to Arkansas’s ban on “prohibited indoctrination” in K-12 public schools.

Arkansas Supreme Court Reinstates Emergency Rule on Gender Markers

Today, the Arkansas Supreme Court paused a circuit judge’s previous order blocking the state’s emergency rule regarding gender markers on Arkansas driver’s licenses and IDs. The court did not provide any explanation for this decision.

ACLU of Arkansas Files Lawsuit Against Town of Rose Bud to Challenge Restrictions on Canvassers

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas, on behalf of For AR Kids, filed a complaint today against the Town of Rose Bud, Arkansas, and Mayor Shawn Gorham in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.