Racial Justice

While the law provides equal opportunity in theory, it is too often denied in fact.

Racial Justice

What you need to know

Pittsburgh's Department of Justice Decree (1996-1997)

ACLU-PA, NAACP, and Parents Against Violence filed a lawsuit against the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for police misconduct.

Stop-and-frisk challenges (2010)

ACLU-PA and the law firm of Kairys, Rudovsky, Messing & Feinberg filled a federal class action on November 4, 2010, on behalf of eight African American and Latino men who were stopped by Philadelphia police officers solely on the basis of their race and ethnicity.

Voter ID Law (2011-2012)

ACLU-PA joins and leads opposition to a restrictive Voter ID law in legislation and in court. The law was ruled unconstitutional.

Though generations of civil rights activism have led to important gains in legal, political, social, employment, educational and other spheres, the forced removal of indigenous peoples and the enslavement of those of African descent marked the beginnings of a system of racial injustice from which our nation has yet to break free.

While the law provides equal opportunity in theory, it is too often denied in fact. The ACLU aims to preserve and extend constitutionally guaranteed rights to people who have historically been denied their rights on the basis of race or ethnicity.

The Latest

Press Release
Placeholder image

Montgomery County Reforms Probation and Parole System Following ACLU Lawsuit

The decision to end the lawsuit comes as Montgomery County has made meaningful progress in reforming its probation and parole revocation system.
Resource
Placeholder image

All-Member Webinar: The Truth About Executive Orders and Lawful DEI in Pennsylvania Schools

Are you concerned about recent federal actions and what they mean for DEI in PA schools? We respond to some of the many questions and concerns we’ve heard from our schools and parents about recent federal executive actions.
Press Release

ACLU-PA and Education Law Center Send Guidance to PA Schools In Response to Department of Education Threats to Cut Funding Over DEI

ACLU-PA and the Education Law Center-PA sent a letter of guidance to Pennsylvania school districts and charter schools in response to a U.S. Department of Education threat to cut federal funding to schools that implement policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Know Your Rights
airport

Know Your Rights While Traveling

Know your rights traveling to and from U.S. airports
Court Case
Jan 20, 2026

El et al. v. 38th Judicial District et al.

Court Case
Apr 10, 2019

McKeesport Black Student Union v. Holtzman

Court Case
Dec 21, 2017

United States v. Pedro Ramon Payano

Court Case
Aug 13, 2012

Foster, et al. v. City of Pittsburgh