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.
If you believe your rights have been violated, file a legal complaint with us today.
What's Happened to Free Speech?
This 15-page publication includes numerous free-speech cases the ACLU has worked on.
Unelected & Unaccountable: Emergency Managers and Public Act 4's Threat to Representative Democracy
Michigan’s Public Act 4 has been a lightning rod for controversy since its enactment on March 16, 2011. The emergency managers have the power to suspend the authority of mayors and city councils and to administer and legislate in their place. They can even dissolve a local government if they have the Governor’s consent. These sweeping powers have triggered a considerable outcry in many quarters.
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.
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.
► Descargar Esta Enfrentando Suspension o Expulsion? (pdf)
Know Your Rights When 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.
► 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.
Second Chances: Juveniles Serving Life Without Parole in Michigan
This 32-page publication chronicles the issue of sentencing children to life without the possibility of parole (LWOP) in Michigan.
Second Chances: Shining a Light on Human Rights Violations in Michigan's Child Sentencing Guidelines
This 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.
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.
Juvenile Life Without Parole Project: Using international law and advocacy to give children a second chance
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.
The Rest of Their Lives
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.
Straight from the Heart
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.
Families Under Attack: Real Stories of Michigan Families
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.
Know Your Rights at Work
LGBT 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.
What Schools Need to Know: LGBT Students and the Law
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.
Reclaiming Michigan's Throwaway Kids: Students Trapped in the School to Prison Pipeline
This 73-page publication discusses the disproportionate impact of school discipline policies, suspensions and expulsion on African Amerian students.
► Download Reclaiming Michigan's Throwaway Kids Appendix (pdf)
A Resource Guide for Teaching the Bill of Rights
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.
Adolescent Health Project
This 9 page booklet has vital information about providing health information in the public school setting for everyone involved in health education.
The VOICE: Volume 2
This newsletter provides important student and youth-related articles about students' rights, ranging from search and seizure rights to privacy on the internet.
Women's Policy Paper
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.
The State of Choice in MI
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.
Got Rights At Work?
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.
► Descargar Tienes Derechos En El Empleo (pdf)