News and Commentary

Filter News

Jun 6, 2024

Trump on Immigration: Tearing Apart Immigrant Families, Communities, and the Fabric of Our Nation

Donald Trump has promised to pursue even more extreme anti-immigrant policies in a second term. These policies would disregard fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law to devastate immigrant...

A graphic featuring Trump and imagery pertaining to immigration.

Jun 5, 2024

Without Alternative Shelter, Sleeping in Public is a Life-Sustaining Act

No matter the Supreme Court's decision in the Grants Pass case, Portland’s leaders can choose to address the root causes of homelessness.

Person holding poster reading "housing is a human right."

May 22, 2024

2024 Legislative Report: Protecting and Expanding Civil Liberties at the State House

We won a number of victories during the 2024 legislative session, from protecting criminal legal reforms to building momentum on data privacy. Catch the highlights from the 2024 legislative session see what...

May 17, 2024

Teaching Hard History: Why Accurate Education is a Civil Liberties Issue

Maine is a product of its past, both good and bad. Join us with Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries to learn about the lessons we can draw from history to chart a path forward.

Students sitting at desks in classroom with teacher in front of class. Photo is in an orange and red duotone effect.

Apr 24, 2024

A Growing Crisis: The Right to Counsel Denied in Maine

Maine is failing to provide legal representation to hundreds of people facing criminal charges who cannot afford their own attorney. This violates their Sixth Amendment right to counsel, undermines the...

By Carol Garvan, Zachary Heiden, Samuel Crankshaw

Apr 20, 2024

The Supreme Court Will Soon Determine Whether Cities Can Punish People for Sleeping in Public When They Have Nowhere Else to Go

The court could give cities the green light to criminalize people for trying to survive outside – even when shelters are full and people have no other option.