Press Releases

If you are a member of the media and wish to speak to an ACLU of Michigan expert, please email our Communications Director Ann Mullen at amullen@aclumich.org. If you are a member of the media and wish to receive ACLU of Michigan press releases, please send your name, the outlet for which you work, your email address, and phone number to amullen@aclumich.org with the subject line, Press Release list.

Feb 27, 2024

Mark P. Fancher to be inducted into the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame Class of 2024

We are proud to report that our own Mark P. Fancher will be inducted into the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame-Class of 2024! Michigan Lawyers Weekly is an independent newspaper dedicated to providing legal news throughout the state. Each year, the editorial board selects 20 esteemed lawyers
Feb 21, 2024

ACLU of Michigan Announces Appointment of New Political Director

Today, the ACLU of Michigan announced that, after conducting an extensive search, it has chosen longtime staff member Merissa Kovach to be the organization’s new political director.
Feb 16, 2024

New Report Confirms Significant Racial Disparities Exist in Washtenaw County’s Criminal Legal System

The results of the report demonstrate the critical need for all agencies within the criminal legal system to track, analyze, and publicly share data about decision-making and its impact.  
Jan 18, 2024

ACLU: MSP-Commissioned Report Confirms that Practices, Policies, and Inadequate Trooper Training Have Likely Contributed to Racial Disparities

DETROIT – The ACLU of Michigan released the following statement in response to a report that the Michigan State Police (MSP) commissioned and released today: 
Dec 19, 2023

ACLU Sends Letter Signaling Concern Over the University of Michigan’s Stifling of Student Speech and Advocacy Related to Crisis in Palestine and Israel

DETROIT - Today, the ACLU of Michigan sent a letter to the University of Michigan expressing concern with recent actions university officials have taken that have censored, suppressed, and punished student speech and advocacy relating to the ongoing crisis in Palestine and Israel.  
Dec 11, 2023

Juvenile Justice Advocates Send Letter Urging Michigan Senate to Pass Legislation that Provides Legal Representation for Children

LANSING, Mich. – Today, juvenile justice advocates shared an open letter with the Michigan Senate, calling on it to pass legislation that mandates legal representation for children entangled in the criminal legal system. Specifically, advocates urge the Senate to pass House Bill 4630, which would re
Nov 21, 2023

Advocates Celebrate the Signing of the Reproductive Health Act

LANSING, MI – Today, surrounded by supporters of abortion rights, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) into law, ensuring that abortion access is expanded for Michiganders across the state.  
Nov 10, 2023

ACLU: Right to Life’s Lawsuit Challenging Proposal 3 Aims to Undermine Voters’ Overwhelming Desire to Protect the Right to Reproductive Freedom

American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan Executive Director Loren Khogali issued the following statement in response to the lawsuit Right to Life and others filed this week asking a federal court to overturn the voter-approved constitutional amendment that enshrines the right to reproductive freed
Nov 09, 2023

ACLU Applauds Michigan Legislature for Transforming Juvenile Justice System, But Important Work Remains

DETROIT – The ACLU of Michigan (ACLU) applauds the Michigan Legislature for passing a 19-bill package that will bring sweeping reform to the state’s juvenile justice system, but is disappointed that a critical piece did not pass that would have greatly improved the ability of juveniles to obtain qua