Press Releases

ACLU Argues Public Dollars Cannot be Used to Discriminate in Private Schools

Two Maine schools are trying to receive public funds and discriminate against students. Any school that wants to participate in a state-funded education program must play by the same rules as all others.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ Equality

Maine Reaches Settlement with DOJ, Agrees to Comply with ADA and Support Children with Disabilities

Following a lawsuit from the US Department of Justice, the State of Maine has agreed to support children with disabilities and comply with federal law.
Issue Areas: Disability Rights

ACLU of Maine Prepared to Act in Face of Trump Presidency

For 105 years nationwide and 65 years in Maine, the ACLU has consistently and fearlessly defended all people’s constitutional freedoms and fought politicians’ abuses of power – and we are not stopping now.

US Department of Justice Sues Maine for Violating Youth Disability Rights

The U.S. Department of Justice has sued Maine for discriminating against young people with disabilities by denying adequate services, separating children from their families, and institutionalizing children who need health care.

Superior Court Allows ACLU to Sue ‘State of Maine’ for Systemic Failure to Guarantee Right to Counsel

The court’s order will allow the ACLU to hold the entirety of the state government accountable for systemically denying hundreds of people their right to an attorney.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Supreme Court Rules Cities Can Punish People For Being Homeless Even When Shelters Are Full

The court has opened the door for cities to punish people for trying to survive, but Maine cities must address root causes instead.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Bangor Median Ban Threatens First Amendment Rights

An ordinance passed Monday threatens free speech rights and targets unhoused residents under the guise of public safety.

Supreme Court Denies Challenge to FDA Approval of Abortion Medication

The court unanimously rejected a request by anti-abortion groups to restrict mifepristone nationwide.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom

Amid Black and Indigenous Studies Fights, Education Leaders Come to Maine

Across the United States, communities are fighting over whether and how to teach Black and Indigenous studies in public schools. This week, leading civil rights historian Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries is coming to Maine to present Lessons in Hard History.