Steven Brown

July 27, 2022

Providence officials rush to install automatic license plate readers as privacy backlash builds

“All law abiding citizens deserve a safe and secure city to live in. And anyone who questions that, well…”...

March 16, 2022

Advocates push for expungement of criminal records as General Assembly moves towards legalized marijuana

“In order to begin to repair the harm of this failed war on cannabis,” said Cherie Cruz,...

March 4, 2022

ACLU Director Steve Brown details history of prostitution laws in Rhode Island

“…the RI ACLU believes the General Assembly made a terrible mistake in 2009 in passing this harsh...

December 6, 2021

Bristol-Warren schools again under fire for racist policies

“Black students were disproportionately suspended by immense margins compared to their fellow white students,” writes the ACLU...

June 17, 2021

ACLU: Providence Police acted on “dubious” grounds in attempt to oust unhoused encampment

In short, the notice was missing the most rudimentary elements of due process. It was eviction by...

May 24, 2021

The time is now to pass Mario’s Bill and reform juvenile sentencing in RI

“Children are simultaneously the most vulnerable members of our society and our most valuable resource for building...

April 20, 2021

After four years, Cranston panhandling ordinance struck down

“I supported the majority on the City Council in 2017 consistent with my strong views that our...

March 19, 2021

RI Senate rules change would deter public testimony say civil rights advocates

“[S]ince ultimately it would be up to the majority or leaders of the body to decide which...

January 26, 2021

The pandemic has changed the way the public testifies before the General Assembly, and it’s for the better

“Here we were, giving testimony about access, and I was literally having access,” said Jocelyn Foye, executive...

January 19, 2021

Derailed by the pandemic, a bill to improve the Open Meetings Act is re-introduced

House bill H5032 “would require that all meetings closed to the public be recorded by audio tape...

January 18, 2021

ACLU: Stronger action needed to address persistent failure of Providence Police to activate body cameras

“The police department’s decision to have its officers wear body cameras four years ago was designed to...

October 23, 2020

National ACLU calls for decriminalization of sex work; cites Rhode Island’s experience

“Rhode Island’s decision to recriminalize indoor prostitution a decade ago was an unfortunate one,” said ACLU of...

July 23, 2020

Groups challenge state vote-by-mail requirements that put voters at risk during COVID-19 pandemic

“No one should have to choose between their health and their right to vote,” said Common Cause...

July 19, 2020

Providence Police enforce picketing ordinance against protesters outside Mayor’s home

“You cannot protest illegally.“ About ten minutes into a Friday evening “noise demonstration” outside the home of...

June 16, 2020

ACLU files lawsuit over candidate ballot signature requirements during COVID-19

“This case is about two things I care deeply about: public health and the health of our...

June 1, 2020

Judge orders immediate bail hearings for ICE detainees at Wyatt Detention Center

“With the outbreak of COVID at Wyatt, the court is beginning a process to assess whether releasing...