Citizenship, Responsibility and the Fight for Civil Liberties

Mary Bejian, ACLU of Michigan Deputy Director

Today, I participated in a naturalization ceremony at the Detroit Public Library welcoming more than 120 new citizens. I congratulated the new citizens with these words, however, it struck me that we all need to hear these words to remind ourselves of what is important and why our civil liberties are only as strong we are -- the people willing to fight for them.

“Eighty-nine years ago, an organization called the American Civil Liberties Union formed to protect the rights guaranteed to all people in the United States Constitution. The U.S. was still reeling from World War I and fear remained the order of the day. Activists were imprisoned for distributing anti-war literature. Politically radical immigrants were deported without anything resembling due process of law. Trade unionists and other labor activists were barred from holding meetings. The American Civil Liberties Union, or the ACLU, though small, fought like David against the giant Goliath, to win victories for free speech, the right to organize and the rights of immigrants.

The ACLU has been fighting ever since. Today, however, we do not fight alone. Millions of people across the United States have stood with us against the denial of civil rights and liberties to people of Arab and South Asian descent, Muslims, African American children in school and in the community, lesbian and gay families, women and others.

These citizens and non-citizens have envisioned a world where the human rights of all people are sacred. They have proudly held up the U.S. Constitution as a symbol of our heritage and the most important blueprint we have for democracy and justice.

Today, you join the ranks of Americans who claim the rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution as your own.

It is your right to express your religious or political views without the fear of government interference.

It is your right to vote.

It is the right of your children to attend school and be treated fairly.

But our rights are only as strong as those people willing to stand up for them. Our rights come with responsibility. So, as I congratulate you today on becoming U.S. citizens, I urge you to use your rights to make America a better place for us all. We need your voices, your experience and your courage to ensure that no one, no matter how unpopular, stands alone.

As a small reminder of the rights and responsibilities guaranteed to all of us, we have for you a bookmark with the Bill of Rights. We hope that whenever you see this bookmark, you’ll remember that you are a vital part of our democracy. That if you see injustice, it is up to you to correct it. And don't worry; the ACLU will be right beside you.

Together, we can ensure that America lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all. Congratulations once again.”