News & Commentary

The American Civil Liberties Union and Yale University have teamed up to defend students right to access information as part of their Don’t Filter Me Project. Schools across the country have been using web filters to block educational websites supportive of LGBT issues, including schools right here in Michigan. These illegal filters essentially silence LGBT voices from schools.

It's not always easy keeping up to date on all the civil liberties issues we deal with. That's why once a week, we run down recent news and events in our Rights Review. This week we're shocked at news that puts health care for Michigan workers at risk, we're letting free speech out of its cage and asking the question: why hasn't your privacy been protected since MacGyver was on air?

From protests at the Michigan Capitol, preachers in the school cafeteria, and police officer's closed door policies we're shaking things up on the civil liberties front. The Kalamazoo Civil Liberties Film Fest concludes Friday, March 25th with George Orwell's dystopian vision, Nineteen Eighty-Four. Don't miss out, purchase your tickets today.

Each week, we run down the hot civil liberties stories in your Weekly Rights Review.This week we cover counseling for LGBT high school students, the difference between a jail cell and a motel room, and the eternal question: who polices the police?

Tory Vincent, LGBT Project Leadership Committee MemberI became a member of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Project Leadership Committee because of my deep desire for a fair and just society.What I didn't know was that the ACLU LGBT Project, alongside other fantastic Detroit organizations, bring attention to a diverse range of equality issues. Nor did I know how fun volunteering for the project could be!{C}During the summer festival season, LGBT Leadership Committee members staff booths at events all over Michigan. Right after I joined, I staffed a booth at Detroit's Dally in the Alley festival. Petitions and letter writing campaigns are essential, but what could compare to raising awareness next to live music out in the sun with other amazing volunteers?As a volunteer for the project, I’ve seen first-hand the strength of the local community at larger events. In March 2010, the Project presented an incredible lecture by Dustin Lance Black. Over 300 people packed into Detroit's Museum of Contemporary Art to hear from the author of the screenplay Milk and show their support for LGBT equality.One of the most difficult roles the LGBT Project Leadership Committee has is simply keeping up with Jay Kaplan, LGBT Project staff attorney. In 2010 alone, Jay crisscrossed the state to over 50 speaking engagements on a whole range of LGBT issues.I was so impressed by one of Jay’s speeches, I even blogged about it. Before hearing the speech, I’d never even considered the issues he brought up. Participating in running the Leadership Committee has gotten me up-close and personal with a broad range of perspectives, issues and organizations.Even with all the work we’ve already done, I’m excited for all that the we’re planning! This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the ACLU of Michigan’s LGBT Project. What better time to get involved by joining the Leadership Committee? 

Like so many others, I've been smiling from ear to ear. Congress has finally passed the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, a blatantly discriminatory policy against gays and lesbians who serve in our nation’s military. That's worth a celebration and more.