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ACLU Sues North Smithfield Police for Refusing to Release Arrest Report (12/04/2008)
In the latest example of a police department choosing to ignore its clear legal responsibilities to release public documents, the Rhode Island ACLU has today filed an open records lawsuit against the North Smithfield Police for refusing to turn over an arrest report to a community activist.

ACLU Challenges West Warwick Political Sign Ordinance And Its Selective Enforcement Against Local Critic (10/15/2008)
The Rhode Island ACLU today filed a federal lawsuit against the Town of West Warwick, challenging its discriminatory enforcement of an ordinance that significantly limits the posting of political signs in the town. The suit was filed by ACLU volunteer attorney Richard A. Sinapi on behalf of town resident Thomas K. Jones, who is both a state legislative candidate and an outspoken critic of plans to develop a water park in the town. The suit argues not only that the ordinance violates Jones' freedom of speech, but also that it has been enforced against him by town officials in a discriminatory manner. Although signs that he has displayed have been cited for violating the ordinance, dozens of other political signs supporting other candidates have not been cited at all.

Restraining Order Issued Against West Warwick Political Sign Ordinance (10/14/2008)
In response to a Rhode Island ACLU lawsuit filed last week, U.S. District Judge Ernest Torres this morning entered a temporary restraining order against enforcement of the Town of West Warwick's political sign ordinance. The ordinance had been challenged by ACLU volunteer attorney Richard A. Sinapi on behalf of town resident and state legislative candidate Thomas K. Jones.

ACLU Agrees to Represent Family of Chinese Detainee Who Died at Wyatt Detention Facility (09/29/2008)
PROVIDENCE, RI - The Rhode Island ACLU today announced that it has agreed to provide legal representation to the family of Hiu Liu ("Jason") Ng, the 34-year-old Chinese detainee who died last month while in the custody of immigration officials at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls. The case will be handled by RI ACLU cooperating attorney John J. McConnell, Jr. of the law firm of Motley Rice, LLC.

ACLU Sues Board of Elections over November Election Day Voting (09/11/2008)
The Rhode Island ACLU today filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of a recently-adopted Board of Elections' ("Board") regulation that the ACLU claims may improperly disenfranchise certain voters on Election Day. The suit, filed by ACLU volunteer attorney Angel Taveras in R.I. Superior Court, specifically addresses the situation of qualified but unregistered voters who have the right, under state law, to go to their city or town hall on Election Day and cast a limited ballot for President and Vice-President.

ACLU Sues Governor Over Executive Order on Immigration (09/03/2008)
The Rhode Island ACLU today filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the controversial "immigration executive order" that Governor Donald Carcieri issued in March. Specifically, the lawsuit, filed in R.I. Superior Court by RI ACLU volunteer attorney Randy Olen, challenges the order's requirement that all vendors and contractors with the state participate in the federal employment authorization system known as E-Verify.

ACLU Sues Governor For "Knowing And Willful" Violation Of Open Records Law (08/20/2008)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The R.I. ACLU today filed a lawsuit charging Governor Donald Carcieri with a "knowing and willful" violation of the Access to Public Records Act, and seeking imposition of a $1,000 fine against him for the violation. The suit, filed in R.I. Superior Court by RI ACLU volunteer attorney Kathleen Managhan, argues that the Governor has failed to turn over records that are clearly public under the law.

Court Strikes Down Law Used To Remove Candidate's Political Signs (08/05/2008)
Ruling in an ACLU case, a federal judge has struck down a state law that was used by the Town of Richmond to repeatedly remove former Congressional candidate Rod Driver's political signs from private property during the 2006 election. In a 25-page opinion, Judge William Smith agreed with the ACLU that the statute violated Driver's First Amendment rights.

ACLU Files Court Brief In Support Of Attorney General's Right To Speak Out in Lead Paint Case (02/01/2008)
PROVIDENCE, RI - Supporting the public’s right to know, the Rhode Island ACLU has today filed a brief urging the R.I. Supreme Court to reverse the imposition of $15,000 in fines against Attorney General Patrick Lynch for public comments he made during the “lead paint public nuisance” case. The brief argues that the fines violated not only Lynch’s First Amendment right to free speech, but also the public’s right to hear the “views of attorneys concerning pending litigation in which the attorneys are involved.”

ACLU ISSUES ALARM ABOUT MIDDLETOWN PLAN TO ELECTRONICALLY MONITOR SCHOOL CHILDREN (01/07/2008)
Claiming that the program raises “enormous privacy and safety concerns,” the RI ACLU has called on Middletown school officials to halt a planned pilot program in which elementary school children will be tagged with electronic chips to monitor their whereabouts. The program, using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, will track the movements of Aquidneck Elementary School students who take school district buses by placing RFID chips on the children’s backpacks.

ACLU of Rhode Island Files Civil Rights Complaint Against DHS for Lack of Adequate Interpreter Services (12/17/2007)
RHODE ISLAND - The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island filed a federal civil rights complaint against the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS) for violating a federal law and a consent agreement with the federal government that requires the agency to provide appropriate interpreter services to clients with limited English proficiency (LEP). The 11-page complaint follows controversial comments recently made by Governor Carcieri denouncing state-funded interpreters for DHS clients and DHS layoffs of all the agency’s Southeast Asian interpreters.

Rhode Island ACLU Report Finds Police Departments in Violation of Racial Profiling Law (10/31/2007)
PROVIDENCE - Almost half of the police departments in Rhode Island that are required to post their police complaint forms and procedures online have failed to do so, according to a report released today by the Rhode Island ACLU. The requirement, contained in the Racial Profiling Prevention Act of 2004, was designed to make it easier for victims of police misconduct to file complaints with departments.

ACLU of Rhode Island Seeks Review of Police Department Medical Policies Following Death of Immigrant (08/09/2007)
WOONSOCKET, RI - In response to the death on Tuesday of Edmar Alves Araujo, a Brazilian national who had epilepsy, while in the custody of immigration officials, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed an open records request with the Woonsocket Police Department to obtain copies of its policies addressing how the medical needs of individuals in police custody are handled. The ACLU has also called on the Attorney General to conduct an immediate inventory of other municipal police department policies across the state regarding the provision of medication to detainees who may have emergency medical needs.

ACLU of Rhode Island Challenges Removal of Congressional Candidate's Political Signs (08/06/2007)
PROVIDENCE, RI - The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of former Congressional candidate Rod Driver, seeking a court order and damages against the town of Richmond and police chief Raymond Driscoll for repeatedly removing Driver's political signs from private property during the last election. The lawsuit charges that the town's actions amounted to a willful violation of Driver's First Amendment rights.

Rhode Island Groups Sharply Criticize Governor for Attack on Divorce Laws (07/30/2007)
PROVIDENCE, RI - The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today announced the favorable settlement of its lawsuit on behalf of a Christian prisoner who has been barred since 2003 from preaching during Christian religious services at the state prison.

Blacks and Hispanics Disproportionately Jailed in Rhode Island, National Report Indicates (07/26/2007)
PROVIDENCE, RI - The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today said that the release of a national report analyzing incarceration rates across the country demonstrates the need for a broader commitment to address racial profiling and related problems of racial disparities in Rhode Island's criminal justice system. The report, "Uneven Justice: State Rates of Incarceration by Race and Ethnicity," was released this past week by The Sentencing Project, located in Washington D.C., and examined nationwide prison statistics for 2005.

ACLU Announces Multi-State Action Calling on Government to Fix Medical Inaccuracies in Federally Funded Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Curricula (05/09/2007)
NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union today announced a multi-state action calling on the federal government to fix medical inaccuracies in federally funded abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula. Eleven ACLU affiliates sent letters to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) alerting the agency to problematic curricula in their states and asking HHS to take steps to remedy the situation.

ACLU Urges Rhode Island Supreme Court to Review Truancy Courts (04/30/2007)
PROVIDENCE, RI - The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today asked the state Supreme Court to review a case that raises fundamental questions about the procedures used by so-called “truancy courts” that prosecute students who are absent from school. The ACLU filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case arguing that essential due process safeguards are absent from the operation of these courts, which have become increasingly prevalent in public schools across the state.

ACLU Raises Privacy Concerns Over Rhode Island's Proposed Regulations for Gaming Licenses (01/22/2007)
PROVIDENCE, RI - The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today raised significant privacy concerns over proposed regulations that would force many employees of local gaming centers to turn over personal financial information to a state agency. National privacy expert Robert Ellis Smith will testify at a Department of Business Regulation hearing tomorrow on behalf of the ACLU to argue, among other things, that the proposed intrusion on the privacy of employees will likely be of little use to the state, but could be a magnet for identity thieves.

Rhode Island Officials Rule School Can't Censor Teen's Yearbook Photo (01/19/2007)
PROVIDENCE, RI - In an important victory for students' free speech rights, the Rhode Island Department of Education today ordered Portsmouth High School to publish a yearbook photo of a student dressed in a medieval costume. The education commissioner agreed with the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island that school officials improperly used the district's "zero tolerance" weapons policy to reject 17-year-old Patrick Agin's senior portrait because he posed with a prop sword.

ACLU Files Racial Profiling Lawsuit Against Rhode Island State Police (01/08/2007)
PROVIDENCE, RI - In a federal lawsuit filed today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island charged that state police engaged in racial profiling and acted unconstitutionally when they detained 14 people on Interstate 95 and transferred them to immigration officials. The individuals, all Guatemalans, were stopped in a van after the driver changed lanes without using a turn signal.

ACLU Says Rhode Island Department of Education Failed to Adequately Review Harmful Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Curriculum (12/18/2006)
PROVIDENCE, RI - The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today said the state Department of Education had failed to adequately review a harmful abstinence-only-until-marriage curriculum developed by Heritage of Rhode Island before letting it back into the schools. In a five-page letter submitted to the department today, the ACLU urged officials to reconsider the decision, saying that the curriculum raises serious medical accuracy and discrimination concerns.

Under Pressure from ACLU, Rhode Island Politician Drops Defamation Lawsuit Against Activist (12/05/2006)
PROVIDENCE, RI - The American Civil Liberties Union announced today that South Kingstown political candidate Andrew Bilodeau has dismissed his defamation lawsuit against Jonathan Daly-LaBelle, a local activist who publicly criticized Bilodeau during the election campaign. The ACLU of Rhode Island filed a counter-lawsuit against Bilodeau last week charging that the defamation suit was brought to suppress Daly-LaBelle's free speech rights.

ACLU Files Free Speech Lawsuit Against Rhode Island College for Censoring Reproductive Rights Signs (12/04/2006)
PROVIDENCE, RI - The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit against Rhode Island College (RIC) for censoring signs posted by students in support of reproductive freedom. The lawsuit charges that the college's restrictive sign policy, which was adopted after the student signs were removed, violates the First Amendment.

ACLU Defends Political Activist in Defamation Lawsuit Filed by Rhode Island Politician (11/27/2006)
PROVIDENCE, RI - Citing important free speech concerns, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a response and counter-claim on behalf of Jonathan Daly-LaBelle, a South Kingstown resident who was sued for defamation by a political candidate a day before this month’s elections. The candidate, Andrew Bilodeau, alleged that Daly-LaBelle defamed him and violated state campaign finance laws by distributing a flier that was critical of Bilodeau’s campaign.

New Document Reveals Pentagon Surveillance of Rhode Island Peace Group (11/01/2006)
PROVIDENCE -- In response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed earlier this year, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today announced it has received documentation confirming that federal officials entered information about a local peaceful protest into a terrorism database.

In Wake of Death, ACLU of Rhode Island Calls For Moratorium on Police “Stun Gun” Use (08/21/2006)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- Following the death this weekend of a Woonsocket resident who was “stunned” with a Taser weapon while in police custody, the Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union sent a letter today calling on all police departments in the state currently using the controversial weapon to impose a moratorium on their use.

ACLU Launches Nationwide Action Against NSA Snooping on Americans’ Phone Calls (05/24/2006)
NEW YORK -- Responding to reports that phone companies are turning over private details about Americans’ telephone calls to the National Security Agency, the American Civil Liberties Union today launched a nationwide initiative to end illegal government spying.

ACLU of Rhode Island Challenges Political Canvassing Restrictions (05/08/2006)
EAST GREENWICH, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a community advocacy group challenging an East Greenwich Town Council ordinance barring the group from engaging in political door-to-door canvassing between 7 and 9 p.m., and requiring payment of a permit fee for the group’s canvassing activities.

In Victory for Free Speech, Court Strikes Down Rhode Island’s Restrictions on Campaigning Over Ballot Questions (04/27/2006)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- Ruling on a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island in 2004, U.S. District Judge Ernest Torres has struck down various aspects of Rhode Island’s campaign finance law that the ACLU argued impermissibly restricted the rights of individuals and entities to campaign for and against ballot questions.

ACLU Hails Rhode Island Department of Education Efforts to Stop the Use of Harmful "Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage" Curriculum in Public Schools (03/22/2006)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- Responding to a complaint filed by the Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union last September, the state’s Department of Education (DOE) issued an advisory to all school districts last week, instructing them to stop using a federally funded abstinence-only-until-marriage curriculum in the public schools. Today the ACLU hailed the development, arguing that the curriculum had raised serious privacy and discrimination concerns and needed to be stopped.

ACLU of Rhode Island Slams Secret Service Investigation of Student Essay (02/02/2006)
WEST WARWICK, RI -- In response to news that a seventh grade student is being investigated by the Secret Service because of an essay he wrote, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today criticized school officials and law enforcement for “criminalizing student thought.”

ACLU Seeks Pentagon Files on Peace Groups (02/01/2006)
WASHINGTON -- In the wake of new evidence revealing Pentagon surveillance of peace groups and protest activities, the American Civil Liberties Union and its affiliates across the country today filed multiple Freedom of Information Act requests seeking to uncover who is being spied on by the Pentagon and why.

ACLU of Rhode Island Files Appeal on Behalf of Christian Prisoner Barred from Preaching at Religious Services (01/12/2006)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island announced today that it has filed an appeal in federal court on behalf of a Christian prisoner who was barred from preaching during religious services at the state prison.

New Report Challenges Rhode Island Drunk Driving Statistics (01/09/2006)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today released a 35-page report that challenges recent highly publicized claims about Rhode Island's high alcohol fatality accident rate and the accompanying push for punitive drunk driving legislation at the State House this year. The report was released at a news conference today at which the ACLU and the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Association of Rhode Island (DATA) called for an emphasis on treatment and other non-punitive measures to address the problem of drunk driving.

ACLU Demands Investigation of U.S. Military Surveillance of Peaceful Protesters in Rhode Island (12/16/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island charged today that U.S. military officials have illegally engaged in monitoring peaceful protest activities of local anti-war demonstrators, and called for an immediate investigation.

ACLU Says Rhode Island Billboard Restrictions Violate Free Speech (11/21/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit challenging state laws and regulations that allow billboard signs on buildings near highways only if the sign promotes an activity taking place on the property. The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of Anthony Joseph Vono and his business, Specialty Promotions, which have been cited by the state Department of Transportation for having a billboard sign that advertises “off premises activity.”

ACLU Applauds Rhode Island’s Move to Protect Students’ Right to Privacy from Military Recruiters (11/17/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today commended the state Department of Education for issuing an advisory to all school district superintendents, reminding them of their obligation to protect the privacy rights of students in interactions with military recruiters. The advisory, issued this week by Commissioner Peter McWalters, follows an ACLU survey released in August, which revealed that many local school districts did not have proper procedures in place to inform parents and students about their legal right to control the release of student information to the military.

ACLU Report Uncovers Racial Profiling and Poor Police Work in Rhode Island (11/17/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- In a 30-page report released today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island said that a review of the latest statistics on police department traffic stop searches shows continued evidence of racial profiling in the state. The ACLU called the search practices poor police work because, according to the statistics, white drivers are more likely to be found with contraband.

ACLU of Rhode Island Warns That Basic Civil Liberties Protections Are Missing Should Flu Outbreak Strike State (11/02/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- As the state begins preparations for a possible flu pandemic, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today cautioned that residents face another serious consequence should an outbreak occur: the government's potential use of extraordinary powers that could significantly diminish residents' freedom, privacy and equality.

ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Rhode Island School District for Withholding Public Records (10/05/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island announced today that it has taken legal action against the Foster-Glocester School District for violating the state's open records law by withholding documents detailing its policies on releasing student information to military recruiters.

Rhode Island Schools Not Protecting Students' Rights to Withhold Information from Military Recruiters, ACLU Survey Finds (08/31/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- As students head back to school, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today released a survey of school district practices across the state showing that many districts are not fully protecting the privacy rights of students in interactions with military recruiters. In a letter sent to school district superintendents across the state, the ACLU of Rhode Island urged administrators to improve their procedures to inform parents and students about their right to control the release of student information to the military.

Following Criticism from the ACLU of Rhode Island, U.S. District Court Will Amend Proposed Rule to Limit Speech (08/25/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- At the urging of the American Civil Liberties Union, local media outlets and open records advocates, the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island announced that it will amend a proposed court rule that would have severely curtailed the First Amendment rights of lawyers, litigants and court employees.

New ACLU Report Shows Rhode Island Police Are Backsliding on Efforts to End Racial Profiling (08/08/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- According to a 15-page report released today by the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, the latest statistics on police department traffic stops in the state show an increase in searches of racial minorities even as white drivers are more likely to be found with contraband when searches are conducted. The statistics cover January through March 2005, the second quarter of a yearlong study mandated by state law.

Rhode Island Clears Path to Restoring Felon Voting Rights (06/29/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- In response to a strong lobbying effort by a coalition of civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Rhode Island legislature today approved legislation paving the way for a Constitutional amendment to restore voting rights to probationers and parolees.

ACLU of Rhode Island Files Open Records Lawsuit Against North Smithfield (06/01/2005)
NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI -- For the third time in two years, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island has taken legal action against the town of North Smithfield, this time for a violation of the state's open records law. Today's lawsuit challenges a requirement by the town that any individual seeking access to an online database of public records must first provide personal information.

ACLU of Rhode Island Sues DMV Over Driver's License Procedures For Immigrants (05/23/2005)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The ACLU of Rhode Island today filed a lawsuit against the Division of Motor Vehicles, charging the agency with a complete failure to comply with an important state law designed to ensure open and responsive government. The Administrative Procedures Act requires state agencies to provide advance public notice and seek public comment before they adopt rules and regulations governing their activities.

Rhode Island Police Not Following Racial Profiling Law, ACLU Report Finds (05/03/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- In a 42-page report released today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island charged that many police departments are failing to comply with provisions of the strict law against racial profiling passed last year by the General Assembly.

ACLU of Rhode Island Releases Report on "Troubling" Internet Censorship in State's Public Libraries (04/19/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today released a report showing that public libraries in the state are impeding patrons' access to information on the Internet through the unnecessarily expansive use of so-called ""blocking software."" Calling the findings ""troubling,"" the 18-page report, ""Reader's Block,"" urged libraries to reassess the policies and practices they have implemented.

Research Shows Racial Profiling Persists in Rhode Island Traffic Enforcement; ACLU Plans Response (03/31/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI-The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today expressed concern over a Northeastern University study released this week showing that African American and Hispanic drivers in Rhode Island continue to be subjected to disparate treatment by law enforcement. The study suggests that little has changed since a 2003 report by the same researchers found widespread racial disparities in Rhode Island traffic enforcement.

ACLU of Rhode Island Sharply Criticizes Proposed Amendment That Would Deny Compensation to Victims of Violent Crimes (03/28/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today sharply criticized proposed regulations allowing the state to deny compensation to victims of violent crimes solely because the victim had been convicted of, or pled ""no contest"" to, a DUI offense in the past. The ACLU's criticism came at a public hearing held by the General Treasurer's office on the proposed amendment to its crime victim compensation regulations.

Under Threat of ACLU Lawsuit, Providence School Readmits Student Suspended For Photographing Principal (03/23/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI-Under pressure from the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, administrators at Central High School today agreed to allow sophomore Eliazar Velasquez to return to school after suspending him for posting photographs of the school principal on a personal Web site. The photographs depicted principal Elaine Almagno smoking a cigarette on school grounds, in direct violation of state law.

ACLU of Rhode Island Announces Settlement in Case of School Softball Coach Who Was Denied Job Because of His Gender (02/16/2005)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island announced today that it has settled a discrimination complaint against the Town of North Smithfield on behalf of Thomas Bourgeois, who was denied appointment as a school coach last year solely because of his gender.

Rhode Island Police Settle ACLU Racial Profiling Lawsuit (02/03/2005)
PROVIDENCE--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today announced the settlement of its racial profiling lawsuit against the Scituate Police Department, which charged that an officer unlawfully stopped, questioned and ticketed a man of Cape Verdean descent because of his race.

ACLU of Rhode Island Urges Governor to Reject Unconstitutional Roadblocks (01/05/2005)
PROVIDENCE--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today urged Governor Donald Carcieri to reject calls to review a 1989 state Supreme Court ruling, which found that random sobriety roadblocks violate the state constitution's prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures.

ACLU Criticizes City's Ban on Rap and Hip-Hop Music at Rhode Island Nightclub (12/18/2004)
WARWICK, RI--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today criticized the Warwick Board of Public Safety's decision to ban a local nightclub from hosting hip-hop or rap music events in response to a shooting that took place at the club earlier this month.

ACLU Challenges Limits on Ballot Advocacy Campaigns in Rhode Island (11/18/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state's restrictions on the rights of individuals and organizations to campaign for or against ballot questions during elections.

ACLU of Rhode Island Sues State Over Fate of Provisional Ballots (11/01/2004)
PROVIDENCE--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed an emergency lawsuit against the state challenging a decision by the Board of Elections to reject potentially hundreds of provisional ballots to be cast on Election Day. The lawsuit argues that the Board's decision violates the 2002 federal law known as the Help America Vote Act.

Rhode Island Settles ACLU Provisional Ballot Lawsuit (11/01/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- Responding to an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit filed earlier this morning, the state Board of Elections today agreed to count all provisional ballots cast by voters who are unable to provide identification at their polling place. The board had previously indicated that it would disqualify all such ballots cast by individuals who had registered to vote by mail after January 1, 2003 but who did not submit an identification document with their application.

ACLU of Rhode Island Blasts Proposal to Search Voters at Polls (10/21/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today called on state elections officials to reject a federal proposal calling on poll workers to conduct searches of voters' belongings as they enter polling places on Election Day.

ACLU Urges Rhode Island Hospitals to Protect Patients' Privacy (09/21/2004)
PROVIDENCE--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island announced today that it has called on local hospitals to reject anticipated earmarked federal funding that would require health care providers to determine the citizenship status of each uninsured patient seeking treatment.

ACLU Calls on Rhode Island College to Revise Policies Infringing on Free Speech Rights (09/08/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI-On the heels of a recently publicized discrimination complaint against a professor at Rhode Island College, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today called on the college to immediately revise school policies that infringe on First Amendment rights by prohibiting ""hate speech.""

ACLU Urges Rhode Island Police to Shun "Stun Guns" (09/02/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today urged police departments across the state not to purchase Taser ""stun guns,"" a controversial electroshock weapon that many U.S. law enforcement agencies, including four in Rhode Island, have begun adding to their arsenal.

School Committee Refused to Hire Art Teacher Because of Her Political Beliefs, ACLU of Rhode Island Charges (08/27/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit against the Lincoln School Committee on behalf of an art teacher who was rejected for a public school position because of her past vocal criticism of some school district practices.

ACLU of Rhode Island Criticizes School Committee for Refusing to Hire a Male Nurse (08/26/2004)
PORTSMOUTH, RI--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island announced today that it has called on the Portsmouth School Committee to reverse its decision to deny a male applicant a position as a middle school nurse based solely on his gender.

Rhode Island Judge Rejects Police Department's Attempt to Throw Out ACLU Racial Profiling Lawsuit (08/10/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- A federal judge today rejected attempts by the Scituate Police Department to dismiss a racial profiling lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island on behalf of a Pawtucket resident, who is of Cape Verdean descent.

ACLU Charges Rhode Island Fire District with Again Violating Free Speech Rights of Firefighters (07/29/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit against top Coventry Fire District officials for violating the free speech rights of firefighters at the department's annual financial meeting in December 2003. This is the third time in two years that the ACLU has filed charges against the fire department.

ACLU Says Rhode Island DMV Is Still Giving Women Misinformation About Name Change Rights 25 Years After Landmark Court Decision (07/28/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI--On the 25th anniversary of a landmark Rhode Island Supreme Court decision declaring that married women have the legal right to use their birth name on their driver's license, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island charged today that the state Division of Motor Vehicles continues to misinform women about their rights.

ACLU of Rhode Island Files Justice Department Complaint Over Lack of Court Interpreters for Defendants (07/19/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island announced today that it has filed a complaint with the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division against the state for failing to provide sufficient interpreter services for the 20,000 defendants with limited English proficiency who are involved in criminal court proceedings each year.

ACLU of Rhode Island Settles Case with Police Over Illegal Strip-Search of Woman (06/30/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today announced that a settlement had been reached in a federal lawsuit against the Woonsocket Police Department on behalf of a woman who was strip-searched and left naked in a holding cell for over five hours after being arrested for ""driving under the influence."" Under the settlement, the defendants agreed to pay $65,000 to Joann Lanoue in exchange for dismissal of the suit.

ACLU Defends Immigrant Imprisoned for Three Years While Awaiting Deportation (06/14/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today appeared in federal court on behalf of an Ethiopian immigrant who has been imprisoned for the past three years solely because he overstayed his visa.

ACLU Calls on University of Rhode Island to Halt Censorship of Professor's Website (05/27/2004)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The American Civil Liberties of Rhode Island said today that it has called on University of Rhode Island officials to correct "a very disturbing issue of academic censorship" at the University involving a Women's Studies professor who is an expert on the international trafficking of women and children.

ACLU Challenges Rhode Island Town's Political Canvassing Restrictions (03/17/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of an environmental group challenging a town's ban on door-to-door political canvassing between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.

Rhode Island Judge Dismisses "Driving While Black" Lawsuit Against Westerly Police (02/26/2004)
PROVIDENCE --A federal judge today dismissed a lawsuit the American Civil Liberties Union filed two years ago against the Town of Westerly on behalf of 50-year old African-American Ashaway resident Bernard Flowers, who was stopped in his car and detained at gunpoint by town police. The ACLU had argued that Flowers was a victim of racial profiling.

ACLU of Rhode Island Opposes Providence's Attempt To Avoid Liability in Racial Profiling Case (01/05/2004)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- In a brief filed before the State Supreme Court today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island challenged the Providence Police Department's efforts to avoid any financial liability for failing to comply with the state's racial profiling law and with court orders that had found the department in contempt for non-compliance with that law.

ACLU of Rhode Island Sues On Behalf of Town Resident's Objection to City Hall Religious Display (12/22/2003)
PROVIDENCE, RI - Acting on behalf of a lifelong resident of Cranston, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit challenging the life-sized nativity scene and menorah in front of Cranston City Hall, as well as the policy that Mayor Stephen Laffey recently implemented to authorize those displays.

ACLU Successfully Defends Rhode Island Resident in Free Speech Case (12/02/2003)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today hailed the dismissal of criminal charges against Little Compton resident William Bullivant in a case that raised far-reaching free speech issues for state residents.

ACLU of Rhode Island Responds to City's "Action Plan" On Racial Profiling (11/25/2003)
PROVIDENCE, RI-- In response to the City of Providence's release of an "action plan" to address racial profiling, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island said today that it planned to work with legislators on the introduction of comprehensive legislation to address the issue of racial profiling statewide.

ACLU of Rhode Island Files Discrimination Lawsuit On Behalf of Female Firefighter Applicant (08/27/2003)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of an unprecedented state law passed that allowed a town to bar a Latino woman from obtaining any position with the newly created North Smithfield Fire Department.

ACLU and Civil Rights Groups Find "Cause For Alarm" in Rhode Island Governor's Civil Rights Record (08/12/2003)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island and more than 20 civil rights and community organizations joined today in the release of a report sharply critical of Governor Donald Carcieri's civil rights record during his first six months in office.

New State Study Confirms Rampant Racial Profiling in Rhode Island; ACLU, Community Groups Call for "Concrete Action" (07/01/2003)
PROVIDENCE, RI- Responding to a report released today by the state's attorney general confirming that police continue to stop drivers based on their skin color, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island and a coalition of civil rights groups called for concrete action to address the now thoroughly documented problem of racial profiling in the state.

ACLU of Rhode Island Calls New Driver's License Policy "Shortsighted" (05/23/2003)
PROVIDENCE, RI--The announcement today by state officials that they will no longer issue driver's licenses to individuals who present Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINs) rather than Social Security Numbers is a shortsighted policy change that will not make us any safer, but will cause enormous hardships.

ACLU of Rhode Island Urges Providence To Rethink "Red-Light Camera" Proposal (04/22/2003)
PROVIDENCE, RI--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today called on Providence Mayor David Cicilline and the City Council to reject a proposal that calls for the installation of so-called "red-light cameras" at various intersections in the city.

Rhode Island Supreme Court Orders City to Pay Costs in Police Misconduct Open Records Case (04/21/2003)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- In the near-final chapter of a long-running "open records" lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against the police department here, the State Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that city cannot charge a community group for the costs of providing copies of internal police misconduct reports.

ACLU of RI Calls on Providence to Investigate Possible Political Surveillance by Police (02/20/2003)
PROVIDENCE, RI--Prompted by the recent disclosure by city officials here that wiretapping equipment had been installed at the city's year-old public safety complex, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today said that it is calling on police officials to investigate whether officers have engaged in illegal surveillance of political activists or opponents over the years.

After ACLU Lawsuit, Rhode Island Town Repeals Tattoo Ban (01/30/2003)
BRISTOL, RI -- In response to a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, the town council here, by a 4-1 vote, agreed yesterday to amend the town's tattoo ordinance which bans persons between the ages of 18 and 21 from getting tattoos, the ACLU announced today.

ACLU of Rhode Island Sues to Lift Gag Rule on Firefighters Who Criticized Department on Safety Issues (12/19/2002)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit challenging a "gag order" issued by Anthony Fire District Chief Stanley Mruk, barring two firefighters from publicly expressing Fire Department-related concerns without first getting approval from the Chief.

ACLU Assists RI High School Student Barred From Mentoring Children Because of Her Hair Color (12/11/2002)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today called on members of the Portsmouth School Committee to reverse an unwritten policy that bars an 18-year-old high school honors student from mentoring elementary school students because of her purple hair.

ACLU of Rhode Island Challenges Local Ban on Tattoos for 18-to-21-Year-Olds (11/19/2002)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- Saying that tattoos are a "unique form of personal art" protected by the First Amendment, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a lawsuit in district court challenging a local ordinance that prohibits adults between the ages of 18 and 21 from getting tattoos.

ACLU Files Brief in Rhode Island Senate Redistricting Appeal (11/13/2002)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today urged a federal appeals court to overturn a lower court decision to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that black voting power in Providence was improperly diluted by recently redrawn Senate district lines.

ACLU Raises Concerns About RI School's "Anti-Bullying" Policy (11/13/2002)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - - Rejecting concerns voiced by the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, the East Providence School Committee last night gave final passage to an overly broad and vague "anti-bullying" policy. The ACLU said it is now considering a legal challenge to the policy.

ACLU Defends Rhode Island Store Owners Sued by Town Over Cow Statue (10/28/2002)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today asked the Rhode Island Superior Court to bar a local town from enforcing a sign ordinance that is requiring the owners of a gift shop to pay more than $50,000 in fines for an outdoor art display of a cow statue. In an effort to recover the fines, the town recently sued the owners of the gift shop.

Court Finds RI Police in Contempt for Failing to Comply With State's "Driving While Black" Law (10/24/2002)
PROVIDENCE, RI -The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today hailed a decision by Superior Court Judge Stephen Fortunato, Jr. to hold the police department in contempt of court for failing to comply with the state's "Driving While Black" law.

ACLU Asks Court to Find RI Police in Contempt for Failing to Comply with State's "Driving While Black" Law (09/23/2002)
PROVIDENCE, RI --The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today asked a Superior Court judge to hold the police department in contempt for failing to comply with the state's ""Driving while Black"" law aimed at preventing racial profiling.

Following ACLU Lawsuit, Court Reinstates RI Legislator's Name on the Primary Ballot (08/21/2002)
PROVIDENCE, RI-Following an appeal filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, a state supreme court judge today ordered that a legislator's name be placed back on the election ballot for the September 10th primary, saying that the Board of Elections had improperly disqualified her.

ACLU of RI Appeals Disqualification of State Legislator From Primary Election (08/19/2002)
PROVIDENCE, RI - - The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed an appeal to the state Supreme Court on behalf of a representative of the state legislature who was unfairly removed from the primary election ballot by the state Board of Elections.

ACLU of R.I. Sues Police Over Illegal Strip-Search; Woman Was Left Naked in Holding Cell for Five Hours (05/15/2002)
PROVIDENCE, R.I.--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit against the Woonsocket Police Department on behalf of a woman who was strip-searched and left naked in a holding cell for over five hours after being arrested for ""driving under the influence."" 

ACLU Sues Rhode Island Police Department for Failing to Comply with State's Racial Profiling Law (03/04/2002)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. --The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a lawsuit against the Woonsocket Police Department for failing to comply with the state's so-called "Driving While Black or Brown" law. 

Rhode Island Judge Orders Providence Police to Comply with State Racial Profiling Law (12/04/2001)
PROVIDENCE, R.I.--In response to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, a state court today issued a detailed order designed to ensure that the Providence Police Department begins complying with a law that requires them to collect data on the traffic stops they conduct in order to determine if racial profiling may be occurring. 

ACLU Sues Rhode Island Airport Officials for Censoring Political Advertising of Corrections Officers' Group (11/13/2001)
PROVIDENCE, RI --The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit against officials at T.F. Green Airport for censoring a political advertisement that a correctional officers group sought to install there earlier this year. 

ACLU of Rhode Island Sues Providence Police For Violating "Racial Profiling" Law (11/06/2001)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a lawsuit against the Providence Police Department for failing to comply with the state's ""Driving While Black"" law.

Court Orders R.I. Police to Release Video Camera Surveillance Policies Requested by ACLU (10/30/2001)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. --A State Superior Court Judge Vincent Ragosta today ordered the police department here to provide the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island with copies of its policies governing the use of surveillance cameras in police cars and in public locations throughout the city. 

Court Rules Providence Police "Gag Rule" Unconstitutional (10/01/2001)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- In a clear victory for free speech, a U.S. District Judge struck down the Providence police department's "gag rule" which prevented police officers from talking to the media without prior approval of the police chief, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island announced today.

In Court Brief, ACLU Says Rhode Island Officials Retaliated Against Environmental Whistleblower (07/19/2001)
PROVIDENCE, RI - - In a case raising important questions as to whether the state is above federal law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a friend-of-the-court brief saying that the federal government has the right to investigate claims that state officials are violating the law. 

ACLU Files "Driving While Black" Lawsuit Against Rhode Island Police (05/15/2001)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit against the Town of Westerly on behalf of Bernard Flowers, a 50-year-old African-American man who last September was illegally stopped in his car and suffered chest pains after being detained at gunpoint by town police. 

ACLU Sues R.I. Town For Refusing to Schedule Fall Elections (05/09/2001)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit challenging a decision by North Smithfield city officials not to hold elections for Town Council or School Committee seats this fall. 

ACLU of Rhode Island Will Defend Parent Threatened with Lawsuit by School Superintendents (02/16/2001)
PROVIDENCE, R.I.--The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today announced that it will represent North Smithfield parent Georgeanne Bourgeois, who was threatened with a lawsuit by a school superintendent for comments she made about him in an e-mail message to other parents.

Sex Discrimination Complaint Against East Providence School District Settled (12/26/2000)
PROVIDENCE, R.I.-- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today announced the settlement of a sex discrimination dispute against the East Providence School District for advertising a position at a high school as being for men only.

ACLU Hails Rhode Island Supreme Court Decision Protecting Victims of Legal Intimidation (12/14/2000)
PROVIDENCE, RI--In an important victory for free speech rights, the Rhode Island Supreme Court today issued a strong ruling supporting the broad scope of the state's anti-SLAPP suit act, in a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Providence Police Department Releases Policies on Use of Pepper Spray (12/07/2000)
PROVIDENCE, RI--Two days after the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island filed an lawsuit against the police department for refusing to publicly release complete copies of its policies and procedures governing the use of pepper spray, the city has reversed its decision and handed over the policies.

Rhode Island School District Reinstates Student Suspended for English Composition (12/05/2000)
JOHNSTON, RI -- The Johnston School District has agreed to reinstate 11th grader Matthew Parent, who had been given a summary and indefinite suspension more than a month ago based on the content of extra-credit journal writing he submitted in his English Honors class.

ACLU Sues Rhode Island Police Department For Access to Policies on Use of Pepper Spray (12/04/2000)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed an open records lawsuit against the Providence Police Department for refusing to publicly release complete copies of its policies and procedures governing the department's use of pepper spray.

ACLU Calls On Providence Police Department To Halt Faith-Based "Prayer" Program (11/28/2000)
In response to an announcement yesterday by representatives of the Providence Police Department about the establishment of a new program called PRAYER, designed to improve police-community relations, ACLU executive director Steven Brown issued the following statement today:

ACLU Challenges Suspension of Student in Latest Example of "Post-Columbine Hysteria" (11/21/2000)
JOHNSTON, RI--In response to the latest example of lingering post-Columbine hysteria, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit challenging a local school's indefinite suspension, without notice or a hearing, of an 11th-grade honors student based solely on the content of an extra-credit journal writing assignment for his English Honors class. 

ACLU Challenges Police "Gag Rule" in Rhode Island (11/14/2000)
PROVIDENCE, RI--The ACLU of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a Providence Police Department "gag rule" which prevents police officers from talking to the media without approval of the police chief.

ACLU Settles Challenge to Illegal Police Search Of Warwick Family's Home (08/21/2000)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island today announced the favorable settlement of a 1999 lawsuit challenging the violation of a family's Fourth Amendment rights when Warwick police broke into their house without a warrant late one night to arrest their 20-year-old son for alleged underage drinking.

ACLU Lawsuit Seeks Access to Rhode Island Police Surveillance Policies (08/08/2000)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island filed suit today against the Providence Police Department for refusing to reveal its policies regarding the city's use of surveillance cameras in police cars and in public locations throughout the city.

Important Anti-Discrimination Bill for People with Disabilities Enacted (07/26/2000)
RHODE ISLAND -- Garnering high-praise from the American Civil Liberties Union, the General Assembly of Rhode Island today enacted a new law to protect its disabled citizens from last years' Supreme Court decision that limited the effectiveness of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Rhode Island Becomes Seventh State to Mandate Data Collection to Fight DWB (07/26/2000)
PROVIDENCE -- According to a story in today's Providence Journal, Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond (R) yesterday signed legislation aimed at "racial profiling" at a State House ceremony where he denounced in strong terms the alleged police practice of stopping motorists because of their race rather than their driving.

Rhode Island Governor Says He Will Sign Strong Racial Profiling Bill (06/21/2000)
PROVIDENCE, RI: According to a story in today's Providence Journal, in a major victory for civil-rights groups, bills aimed at "racial profiling" by police on the highway easily passed both houses of the Rhode Island Legislature yesterday.

ACLU Asks Rhode Island to Overturn School "Zero Tolerance" Policy (12/02/1999)
South Kingstown, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island said today that it is seeking to overturn a "zero tolerance" policy after a high school senior was barred from all school-related activities for the entire academic year when she admitted to taking a sip of alcohol before a school dance.

Facing ACLU Lawsuit, Rhode Island Agrees to Return $860 to Wrongfully Accused Woman (10/15/1999)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- In a sudden reversal, Rhode Island officials today agreed to return the $860 dollars confiscated from a woman who was falsely arrested for drug dealing by a now-discredited "Strike Force" unit.

ACLU Says Rhode Island Woman is Victim of "State-Sanctioned Piracy" by Drug Task Force (10/14/1999)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island is entering court today on behalf of a woman wrongfully accused of drug dealing who has spent more than three years seeking the return of $860 confiscated from her by a narcotics "Strike Force."

ACLU Asks Court to Halt Deportation of Legal Immigrant Under Retroactive Law (09/09/1999)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island filed a federal lawsuit today on behalf of a legal immigrant facing deportation under a retroactive provision of a harsh anti-immigrant law.

Rhode Island Judge Invalidates State Ban on "Partial-Birth Abortions" (08/30/1999)
PROVIDENCE, RI -- Ruling along with an overwhelming number of courts across the nation, a federal judge in Rhode Island today struck down a so-called partial-birth abortion ban that would have barred women from access to safe and common abortion procedures.