Racial Justice

Though generations of civil rights activism have led to gains in legal, political, social, educational and other spheres, the forced removal of indigenous peoples and the institution of slavery were the beginnings of a system of racial injustice from which our country has yet to break free.

Black lives matter international activist movement protesting against racism and fighting for justice - Demonstrators from different cultures and race protest on street for equal rights

Though generations of civil rights activism have led to important gains in legal, political, social, educational, and other spheres, the forced removal of indigenous peoples and the institution of slavery marked the beginnings of a system of racial injustice from which our country has yet to break free.

Deep-seated systemic racism and inequities that disadvantaged communities of color are still woven into the fabric of our institutions today—from education and housing to our criminal legal system. Systemic racism permeates the starkly segregated world of housing. In our public schools, students of color are too often confined to racially isolated, underfunded, and inferior programs. Our criminal justice system disproportionately targets and subjects people of color to police brutality, incarcerates them and imposes numerous collateral consequences, and criminalizes poverty. The dream of equal justice remains an elusive one.

We strive to create a world where “we the people” truly means all us—this means dismantling systemic racism and working to repair centuries of harm inflicted on communities of color.

The Latest

Press Release
Metal set of scales

ACLU of Idaho Report Shows Discrimination Against Latine Students

ACLU of Idaho Report Shows Discrimination Against Latine Students Built into Policy, Culture at Public Schools
Issue Areas: Racial Justice
Know Your Rights
Image of girl standing in front of a classroom full of empty word bubbles

Student Discipline

Unfair treatment and discrimination in school violates students' federally recognized civil rights and prevents students from having equitable access to education.
Know Your Rights
The top left corner of a blue book sits on a brown surface. A Yellow bookmark stuck our of the top of the book with the words "Banned Books Club ACLU" in white and black letters.

Library Book Bans

Because they are public institutions, public libraries are bound by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Press Release
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ACLU STATEMENT ON DEREK CHAUVIN GUILTY VERDICT

MINNEAPOLIS — A jury has found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges in the murder of George Floyd.The following statement can be attributed to Jason Williamson, deputy director of the ACLU’s Criminal Law Reform Project:  
Issue Areas: Racial Justice

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation

Legislation
Feb 9, 2022

2022 - SB 1240 - Removal of Racist Covenants on Property

SB 1240 would prohibit and remove language in property deeds which restricts ownership based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. Private property owners, land owners, and developers all utilized racially restrictive covenants throughout the early 20th century.
Status: Click On Bill Number Link for Current Status
Position: Support
Legislation
Apr 22, 2021

2021 - HB 377 - Academic Censorship

This bill shows a fundamental misunderstanding of Critical Race Theory. Idaho has nondiscrimination statutes in place to protect students from discrimination. The vague language of the statute chills and censors discourse about implicit bias and racism and sexism in public schools and institutions.
Status: Lost: Signed into Law
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Apr 3, 2021

2021 — HB 329 — OPT-IN FOR STUDENT GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

HB 329 would require school boards to approve or reject the existence of any student group or organization within its district. Similar rules in other states have been used to ban groups that facilitate conversations about issues like LGBTQ+ rights, systemic racism, and intersectionality.
Status: Introduced
Position: Oppose