News & Commentary

The ACLU of Nebraska is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 30th Anniversary. On July 26th we celebrate this important civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Celebrate with us by visiting www.adaanniversary.org/ or learn more about the ADA by reading the following essays: 

Last week, the Supreme Court released a decision that it was unlawful to discriminate in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Upon waking up in the morning and reading this decision, feelings of joy and relief washed over me like a tsunami, nearly knocking me breathless. I began crying and contacted my partner, letting them know that we won; that once again, love won. 

Our spring newsletter hit mailboxes in mid-May, sharing the latest on our work to protect and advance Nebraskans' civil rights and civil liberties. All of its content is available here or as a PDF download.

Ruby Méndez López is the Nebraska artist behind the powerful image accompanying our petition that more than 1,000 Nebraskans have now signed, calling for increased protection for essential workers. She graciously agreed to write about what inspired her art. 

In the last decade, a national conversation has been taking place regarding people being killed in police custody.  Many individuals and organizations, including Black Lives Matter, the ACLU, and others, have urged a hard look at policing and related policies nationwide.

Unprecedented; it's a word we've heard a lot lately. Major Nebraska events are being canceled or postponed. Schools and businesses are closing. Many of us who are fortunate enough to work from home are doing so.

Sunshine Week is a nationwide celebration of access to public information and what it means for our communities. Government works better when people know how decisions are made and tax dollars are spent.

Lobby days at the Unicameral bring about a variety of people with different political beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. For many, it’s an opportunity to make their voices heard on issues that affect them; for some, it’s a change to fight for their rights and basic governmental protection against various forms of societal discrimination and oppression. I fell into the latter group as I made my way into the Nebraska State Capitol Building on Wednesday with around 40 other people to meet with our state senators. This particular lobby day was organized by OutNebraska, a Nebraska nonprofit dedicated to advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues and creating a community of civically engaged LGBTQ+ Nebraskans. 

Nebraskans agree that high school activities and athletic events should be a place where being a good sport is the common standard and where students of all backgrounds are treated with respect.