Youth Rights
The ACLU uses human rights standards and strategies to advance social justice in the area of youth rights. We work to protect the rights of youth with particular attention to juvenile justice and equal access to quality education. We focus on ensuring adequate representation, decent care and conditions during periods of incarceration, and other rights for juveniles in the justice system.
The Latest
Civil Rights Organizations Urge Students, Parents, Teachers, and Staff to Know Their Rights as the Academic Year Begins
The ACLU of Maine, EqualityMaine, and GLAD Law have released a comprehensive Know Your Rights guide reflecting recent changes in law, including immigrants’ rights under new ICE Out laws and LGBTQ+ rights.
Back to School: A Know Your Rights Guide for Students, Faculty, & Staff
It's more important than ever for students, families, teachers, and school staff to know their rights and how to protect them.
Cases, Campaigns & Legislation
Feb 27, 2026
United States v. Maine – Youth Disability Rights
The State of Maine has a troubling history of failing to protect children with disabilities. After the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) launched an investigation that found Maine was discriminating against children with disabilities, the DOJ sued the state. The state and DOJ reached a settlement agreement that strengthened protections for Maine’s children under federal disability rights law.
The ACLU of Maine and its partners are now fighting to ensure that settlement remains in place and its protections are upheld.
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