ACLU of Louisiana

The ACLU of Louisiana (ACLU-LA) is Louisiana's chief defender of the Constitution, and works to make the promise of equal justice under law real for all Louisianans. We are a Black and woman-led organization committed to advancing racial justice and dismantling systemic racism across the state. Our work to hold police accountable, end mass incarceration and immigrant detention, protect voting rights, freedom of speech, and LGBTQ+ rights would not be possible without our generous supporters.

HOLDING POLICE ACCOUNTABLE: The ACLU-LA launched the Justice Lab-a litigation, policy, and organizing project that holds police accountable for unconstitutional actions against people of color. Our small affiliate has filed 72 cases against police. We've had 98 legal victories, including 39 qualified immunity wins, and we have secured $850,000 in settlement funds for our clients, all of whom would not have had legal representation but for the Justice Lab.

PROTECT IMMIGRANTS' RIGHTS: Since last GiveNOLA Day, we have presented to thousands of people languishing in immigrant detention facilities about their rights, advocated for their medical needs, and have litigated to get many people released and reunited with their families.

END MASS INCARCERATION: Through litigation, advocacy, and public awareness, the ACLU-LA works to combat mass incarceration, advance racial equity, and prioritize people over prisons.

VOTING RIGHTS: The ACLU-LA advocates for reforms that have been demonstrated to be extremely effective at making sure that all Americans who want to cast a ballot are able to do so, despite many state politicians' efforts to restrict voting rights through gerrymandering.

Testimonials

IMMIGRANTS" RIGHTS: "The federal government has turned immigration detention into a profit machine at the expense of both asylum seekers and longtime residents of the United States. These facilities must be shut down."- Andrew Perry, ACLU of Louisiana Staff Attorney

VOTING RIGHTS: "We want our voices to finally be heard at the ballot box and reflected in the decisions our lawmakers are making. For us, that is what is at stake in this case."- Dr. Dorothy Nairne, ACLU of Louisiana Plaintiff