Cases

The ACLU of Michigan files lawsuits that impact people’s rights by setting a legal precedent, or affecting the policies and actions of public officials. Our current Fall 2021 Legal Docket details our legal cases and actions taken in 2020-2021.

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Racial Insensitivity in Brighton Public Schools

The ACLU of Michigan is representing a white mother and her adopted African American son in a challenge to racial insensitivity in the Brighton school district.  When her child was in second grade and the only Black child in his class, he decided to grow dreadlocks.  In response to inquiries abou

December 20, 2021 Racial Justice

Water Shutoffs in Saginaw

When a statewide moratorium on water shutoffs that was imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic expired, Saginaw city officials decided to resume water shutoffs for families that had unpaid water bills.  Those affected included 250 families whose water service was terminated immediately and 7

December 20, 2021 Racial Justice

Business Owners' Duty to Respond to Racist Violence

Edward Tyson is an African American man who was the victim of violence outside a bar in a small town in Cheboygan County.  His assailant, widely known as a belligerent racist, repeatedly called Mr. Tyson the N word and punched him in the head until he lay on the ground bleeding.  The operators of

December 20, 2021 Racial Justice

Search Warrants for Cell Phone Data

When police obtain a search warrant, the Fourth Amendment requires that the scope of the search be limited to a particular place and for evidence of the particular crime being investigated.  In the modern era, a person’s electronic devices hold vast amounts of data, and a warrant to s

October 19, 2021

Home Purchase Scheme Targeting Black Homebuyers

In the wake of the housing crash of 2008, Black communities have been targeted by predatory “land contract” schemes that promise the dream of home ownership but are structured to fail.

October 19, 2021