News & Commentary

The current state of the world is filled with both confusion and unrest. We are in the midst of a global pandemic, in addition to a battle with racial injustice and inequality. The heavily publicized death of George Floyd, following the deaths of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, has sparked global protests from both the Black community and our supporters. Though the pandemic came with a deadly force, it also shed light on the many steps that still need to be taken to move our country forward. 

Earlier this year, Michigan lawmakers were provided a clear, concise roadmap designed to reform a criminal legal system plagued by racism and abuse into one that is just and fair. They took the bold step of following that road map this week when they announced plans to vote for the passage of 17 bills that will reduce the number of people sitting behind bars pretrial and provide common-sense alternatives to arrest and incarceration. These bills begin Michigan’s path on that roadmap, codifying the recommendations made by the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration.  

Last week, as the COVID-19 death toll continued to climb, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended a moratorium on water shutoffs across Michigan through the end of this year. A civil rights coalition filed a class action lawsuit.

Victoria Burton-Harris, Criminal Defense Attorney, McCaskey Law, PLC

When it comes to Michigan’s criminal legal system, the time is now for massive change. The senseless, horrific death of George Floyd, captured in gruesome detail on video, has sparked protests against police racism and abuse throughout the United States. 

Praying he won’t die behind bars, Jamie Meade is making the case for his release from the Michigan prison system. In that effort, he has the unwavering support of family and

“It was actually the first election I would’ve ever voted in, so you can imagine that fact amplified my disappointment,” she says. “I had hoped that the ballot would arrive on time.” But she, like thousands of other Michigan voters, needlessly had their ballots rejected. That's why we sued.

For Camara Sankofa and Shanelle Thomas – like millions of people of color – the looming threat of police racism is an everyday reality. The ACLU of Michigan is working to change that.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan (ACLU) has sent a letter, addressed to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor, urging them not to press charges against Sha'Teina Grady El, who was brutally beaten by a police officer, as seen on camera footage.