The ACLU of Michigan Publications
As part of our work in the defense of civil liberties, the ACLU of Michigan issues reports, position papers, booklets and advocacy materials that study and note developments in civil liberties. Below is listing of some of our publications.
Free Speech
Juvenile Life without Parole
Know Your Rights
LGBT Rights
School/Student Publications
Women's Rights
Worker's Rights
FREE SPEECH
This 15-page publication includes numerous free-speech cases the ACLU has worked on.
► Download What's Happened to Free Speech (pdf)
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS GUIDES
Know Your Petitioning Rights: Frequently Asked Questions
This 5-page FAQ includes commonly asked questions about petitioners rights and restrictions in Michigan, touching on free speech and freedom of assembly.
► Download Know Your Petitioning Rights (pdf)
Know Your Rights: Your Rights & Responsibilities When Facing School Discipline
Facing expulsion or suspension at school? Parents, teachers, students and administrators all have rights and responsibilities. This printable pocket guide can help you keep track.
► Download Know Your Rights & Responsibilities When Facing School Discipline (pdf)
► Descargar Esta Enfrentando Suspension o Expulsion? (pdf)
Know Your Rights: If You're Stopped by Police, Immigration Agents or the FBI
We rely on the police to keep us safe and treat us all fairly, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin or religion. This printable pocket guide provides tips for interacting with police and understanding your rights.
► Download Know Your Rights if You're Stopped By Police, Immigration Agents or the FBI (pdf)
► Descargar Si La Policia o Agentes de Inmigracion o el FBI lo Detiene (pdf)
Know Your Rights: Protected Speech at Protests and Demonstrations
The right to protest and express your opinions is one of the most basic and important rights in the U.S. Download this guide before planning a protest or demonstration.
► Download Know Your Rights: Protected Speech at Protests and Demonstrations (pdf)
JUVENILE LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE
This 32-page publication chronicles the issue of sentencing children to life without the possibility of parole (LWOP) in Michigan.
► Download Second Chances (pdf)
Second Chances: Shining a Light on Human Rights Violations in Michigan's Child Sentencing GuidelinesThis 8-page booklet explores the practice of sentencing juveniles to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the context of international human rights.
► Download Second Chances Booklet (pdf)
Juvenile Life Without Parole Profiles
These intimate profiles of individuals who were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole as children illustrate the importance of reforming Michigan's juvenile justice system.
► Download Juvenile Life Without Parole Profiles (pdf)
This 66-page packet condemns sentencing minors to life without the possibility of parole through extensive research. Seeking to resolve this injustice, the report provides various resources, including a Wayne State University School of Social Work Public Opinion poll.
► Download Juvenile Life Without Parole Project Report (pdf)
This extensive 167-page report, compiled by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, chronicles alarming details about children sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
► Download The Rest of Their Lives (pdf)
LGBT RIGHTS
This 32-page collection contains stories from heterosexual individuals about a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) friend, family member or colleague. They provide vivid insight into the complex emotions the LGBT community and their supporters encounter.
► Download Straight From the Heart (pdf)
This 16-page publication puts a human face on the challenges that many LGBT families experience daily. Illustrating the widespread issues facing many LGBT couples, these stories call an end to unconstitutional discrimination in Michigan.
► Download Families Under Attack (pdf)
Know Your Rights at WorkLGBT individuals have the right to feel safe and secure on the job work. And as many Michigan discrimination laws do not include LGBT individuals, it is important to know your rights. This card tries to answer the LGBT community’s most common questions about their rights at work.
► Download Know Your Rights at Work (pdf)
To ensure that all students, regardless of sexual orientation, receive a quality education within a safe learning environment we've constructed this 28-page question and answer publication. By assisting school personnel in positive interactions with LGBT students, we hope to help to avoid unnecessary litigation and the ensuing negative media spotlight.
► Download What Schools Need to Know (pdf)
SCHOOL/STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
Reclaiming Michigan's Throwaway Kids: Students Trapped in the School to Prison PipelineThis 73-page publication discusses the disproportionate impact of school discipline policies, suspensions and expulsion on African Amerian students.
► Download Reclaiming Michigan's Throwaway Kids (pdf)
Reclaiming Michigan’s Throwaway Kids Electronic Appendix
Because of space considerations and expense, much of the data received in response to ACLU of Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests was not included in the report “Reclaiming Michigan’s Throwaway Kids.” However, the ACLU of Michigan is pleased to make this information available on this website.
► Download Reclaiming Michigan's Throwaway Kids Appendix (pdf)
This Resource Guide is designed to assist grades 6-12 teachers in introducing Bill of Rights' issues to students. Topics include the First Amendment issues of freedom of expression, speech, and religious freedom, as well as the Fourth Amendment issue of searches.
► Download Bill of Rights Guide (pdf)
This 9 page booklet has vital information about providing health information in the public school setting for everyone involved in health education.
► Download Adolescent Health Project Booklet (pdf)
This newsletter provides important student and youth-related articles about students' rights, ranging from search and seizure rights to privacy on the internet.
► Download The Voice Vol. 2 (pdf)
WOMEN'S RIGHTS
In March 2003, the ACLU of Michigan convened a conference with groups and individuals addressing a range of concerns affecting women and girls. Shortly after, we developed a policy paper that would present these issues and recommendations for policy-makers.
► Download Women's Policy Paper (pdf)
Written in 2000, this 8-page publication provides accurate and usable information about current reproductive freedom laws and the threat of legislation persistently pursued in Michigan.
► Download The State of Choice (pdf)
WORKER'S RIGHTS
This comprehensive 44-page publication is designed to answer questions about workplace issues. Though especially designed for young people entering the workforce, much of the information applies to anybody who works, regardless of age.
► Download Got Rights at Work? (pdf)
► Descargar Tienes Derechos En El Empleo (pdf)