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Corrections Department Returns Women Held In New Jersey Men's Prison To Women's Prison After ACLU Lawsuit (09/04/2008)
TRENTON – Nine months after the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit challenging the transfer of women prisoners from Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, the state's prison for women, to New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), a men's supermax prison, the Department of Corrections (DOC) has transferred the women back to the women's prison.

Court Bars Corrections Department From Sending More Women To Inhumane Conditions In NJ Men's Prison (07/24/2008)
TRENTON – In three separate opinions today totaling 77 pages, the New Jersey Superior Court stopped the Department of Corrections (DOC) from transferring any more women prisoners to the New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), a men's Supermax prison, for the duration of an ongoing legal battle over previous unlawful transfers. The court also granted the women's request to pursue their claims as a class action. In addition, the court denied a motion by the DOC, brought on five separate legal grounds, to dismiss the women prisoners' complaint, and also rejected the DOC's motion to terminate the case.

ACLU Seeks Sanctions Against New Jersey DOC For Witness Tampering And Retaliation (03/26/2008)
TRENTON – The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of New Jersey filed court papers today requesting that the New Jersey Superior Court impose sanctions against the New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC) for witness tampering, official misconduct and violations of court rules. The ACLU’s motion for sanctions charges that the DOC obtained false and misleading statements from women prisoners about conditions in the prison in an attempt to defend the prison against claims of inhumane treatment. A female prisoner who exposed the DOC’s misconduct reports being beaten as a result.

ACLU Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Women Prisoners Confined in Men’s Prison (12/12/2007)
NEWARK - In dual actions challenging the incarceration of 40 women in a men’s maximum security prison, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of New Jersey filed a civil rights lawsuit and joined more than a dozen other advocacy organizations in support of the women at a demonstration in front of the prison.

ACLU Applauds Repeal of Anti-Immigrant Ordinance in Riverside, NJ (09/17/2007)
RIVERSIDE, NJ - The American Civil Liberties Union praised Riverside’s township council vote tonight to repeal an unlawful ordinance that would have punished landlords and employers for renting to or employing individuals it classified as “illegal” immigrants. Tonight’s vote was prompted by a lawsuit brought by a coalition of residents, businesses and landlords represented by the ACLU, the ACLU of New Jersey, the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, the People For the American Way Foundation, and the law firm of Ragonese, Albano & Viola.

ACLU of New Jersey Challenges Arbitrary Police Fees for March (07/09/2007)
NEWARK - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey and the Farmworkers' Support Committee today filed a lawsuit in federal district court against the city of Bridgeton for charging a fee of more than $1,500 for an immigrant rights March held on May 1.

ACLU of New Jersey Challenges Arbitrary Police Fees for March (07/09/2007)
NEWARK - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey and the Farmworkers' Support Committee today filed a lawsuit in federal district court against the city of Bridgeton for charging a fee of more than $1,500 for an immigrant rights March held on May 1.

ACLU-NJ y CATA Demandan para Defender los Derechos a la Libre Expresión (07/09/2007)
NEWARK -- La Unión Americana de Libertades Civiles de Nueva Jersey (ACLU-NJ) y el Comité de Apoyo a los Trabajadores Agrícolas (CATA) y demandaron en el corte distrito federal a la ciudad de Bridgeton para cobrarles una tarifa de mas que $1,500 por una marcha por los derechos de los inmigrantes realizado el 1ero de mayo.

ACLU-NJ y CATA Demandan para Defender los Derechos a la Libre Expresión (07/09/2007)
NEWARK, N.J. - La Unión Americana de Libertades Civiles de Nueva Jersey (ACLU-NJ) y el Comité de Apoyo a los Trabajadores Agrícolas (CATA) y demandaron en el corte distrito federal a la ciudad de Bridgeton para cobrarles una tarifa de mas que $1,500 por una marcha por los derechos de los inmigrantes realizado el 1ero de mayo.

Censorship of Gay Student Is Discriminatory Free Speech Violation, Says ACLU of New Jersey (06/25/2007)
NEWARK -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey in a letter sent today called on the Newark Public Schools to rescind last week's decision to censor hundreds of East Side High School yearbooks that included a photo of a male student kissing his boyfriend. The ACLU-NJ advised the school district that its censorship of this photo violates free speech and New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination.

Censorship of Gay Student Is Discriminatory Free Speech Violation, Says ACLU of New Jersey (06/25/2007)
NEWARK - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey in a letter sent today called on the Newark Public Schools to rescind last week's decision to censor hundreds of East Side High School yearbooks that included a photo of a male student kissing his boyfriend. The ACLU-NJ advised the school district that its censorship of this photo violates free speech and New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination.

ACLU of New Jersey Opposes Release of Tenants' SSN to Government Officials (06/21/2007)
NEWARK - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today announced that it has joined a lawsuit in the role of "friend-of-the-court" in a case concerning the privacy rights of tenants.

ACLU of New Jersey Election Day Report Calls for Reform of Voting Systems (06/05/2007)
NEWARK – With citizens headed to the polls for primary elections, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey and the League of Women Voters of New Jersey today released a report highlighting significant concerns about New Jersey’s voting systems and made recommendations for changes to improve voting rights in New Jersey after reported problems during the November 2006 general election.

ACLU of New Jersey Election Day Report Calls for Reform of Voting Systems (06/05/2007)
NEWARK - With citizens headed to the polls for primary elections, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey and the League of Women Voters of New Jersey today released a report highlighting significant concerns about New Jersey's voting systems and made recommendations for changes to improve voting rights in New Jersey after reported problems during the November 2006 general election.

ACLU of New Jersey Applauds Motor Vehicle Commission's Comments Regarding Cost and Privacy Concerns of Real ID (05/23/2007)
NEWARK, N.J. - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today praised the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission for its substantive comments to the Department of Homeland Security about privacy and other concerns on a proposed national identity card, known as Real ID.

ACLU of New Jersey Applauds Motor Vehicle Commission’s Comments Regarding Cost and Privacy Concerns of Real ID (05/23/2007)
NEWARK — The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today praised the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission for its substantive comments to the Department of Homeland Security about privacy and other concerns on a proposed national identity card, known as Real ID.

ACLU Seeks Release of Gulf War Vet Illegally Detained for Three Years (05/22/2007)
NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union today filed a habeas petition seeking the release of Warren Joseph, a Gulf War veteran and immigrant from Trinidad who is a permanent resident of the United States. Joseph has been illegally locked up for more than three years in immigration custody in a New Jersey prison.

ACLU of New Jersey Provides UN Rapporteur with Report on Immigration Detention that Outlines Concerns of Abuse (05/15/2007)
NEWARK - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today provided the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants with a report on immigration detention conditions in New Jersey to help inform him of conditions affecting immigrants during his fact-finding mission in the United States.

ACLU Announces Multi-State Action Calling on Government to Fix Medical Inaccuracies in Federally Funded Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Curricula (05/09/2007)
NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union today announced a multi-state action calling on the federal government to fix medical inaccuracies in federally funded abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula. Eleven ACLU affiliates sent letters to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) alerting the agency to problematic curricula in their states and asking HHS to take steps to remedy the situation.

U.N. Independent Expert on Rights of Migrants Begins Fact-Finding Mission in United States (04/30/2007)
SAN DIEGO - The American Civil Liberties Union today welcomed the official fact-finding visit to the United States by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants. The ACLU is among the select groups and individuals that will be meeting with the Special Rapporteur over the next three weeks to testify about the conditions of immigrants and migrants living in the United States.

ACLU of New Jersey Successfully Defends Free Speech for Peace Activist (03/20/2007)
NEWARK - A New Jersey Superior Court judge today dismissed charges against Bob Flisser, who was arrested in Flemington for participating in a public vigil for fallen soldiers without obtaining a permit. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, representing Flisser, argued that Flemington's "parade" permit ordinance violated numerous free speech protections and was applied discriminatorily. Flemington officials agreed to the dismissal.

ACLU of New Jersey Sues Newark Public Schools for Holding Graduation in Church (03/07/2007)
NEWARK - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey filed a lawsuit today against the Newark Public Schools for violating a Muslim student's religious freedom by holding West Side High School's 2006 graduation ceremony in the sanctuary of a Baptist church.

In Victory for Open Government, New Jersey Supreme Court Rules Videotaping of Public Meetings is a Basic Right (03/07/2007)
NEWARK, N.J. - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey praised a New Jersey Supreme Court decision released today that protects an individual's right to videotape public meetings.

New Jersey Supreme Court Rules That Schools Must Protect Students from Bias-Based Bullying (02/21/2007)
NEWARK, NJ - In a major victory for student rights, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey praised a decision released today by the New Jersey Supreme Court that extends anti-discrimination protections to schoolchildren subjected to bias-based bullying and harassment.

ACLU Calls on New Jersey Supreme Court to Protect Reproductive Freedom and Free Speech (02/20/2007)
TRENTON, NJ - The American Civil Liberties Union today called on the New Jersey Supreme Court to protect women’s reproductive rights and physicians’ free speech rights. The ACLU urged the court to overturn a lower court medical malpractice decision that would have the effect of improperly forcing physicians to give a non-medical, value-laden speech to their patients before performing an abortion.

ACLU Supports New Jersey Civil Union Bill as a Step Toward Marriage for Same-Sex Couples (12/14/2006)
NEWARK, N.J. - The American Civil Liberties Union expressed support for a civil union bill passed today by the New Jersey Legislature as a significant step toward ensuring that gay and lesbian couples are afforded equal treatment. Although pleased that same-sex couples will now have access to hundreds of family protections, the ACLU will continue to press the state legislature for marriage.

ACLU of New Jersey Applauds Ruling in Favor of Student's Right to Sing "Awesome God" (12/12/2006)
NEWARK, NJ - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today praised a decision by U.S. District Court Judge Freda L. Wolfson protecting the religious expression rights of students. The court held that a Frenchtown Elementary School student had the right to sing the song "Awesome God" at a school talent show. The ACLU of New Jersey submitted a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the student.

ACLU Plans Appeal on Behalf of New Jersey Peace Vigil Organizer (11/27/2006)
FLEMINGTON, N.J. - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey announced that it will appeal the decision of Flemington Municipal Court Judge John Petronko Jr., who earlier today found peace advocate Robert Flisser guilty for organizing a “Fallen Solder Vigil” without a permit on August 17, 2005. The ACLU and Flisser contend that Flemington’s permit requirements violate freedom of speech and are applied discriminatorily.

ACLU Cheers Unanimous New Jersey High Court Decision Saying State Can’t Bar Same-Sex Couples from Marriage Protections (10/25/2006)
NEW YORK -- The American Civil Liberties Union today cheered a unanimous decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court holding that it is unconstitutional for the state to bar same-sex couples from the hundreds of family protections the state provides through marriage. The court referred the matter to the state legislature, which has 180 days to either amend existing marriage laws or create some other system to give same-sex couples the same marriage protections under the law.

Businesses Sue Riverside, NJ Over Vague, Discriminatory Anti-Immigrant Ordinance (10/18/2006)
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ - A coalition of Riverside business owners, landlords and residents will file a lawsuit today in state court against Riverside Township, contending that the recently adopted Illegal Immigration Relief Act oversteps the city’s authority, is too vague, unfairly puts businesses at risk and violates civil rights under state law.

New Jersey Citizens on Parole and Probation Bring Plea For Right to Vote to Human Rights Body (09/14/2006)
NEWARK -- The American Civil Liberties Union and the Rutgers Law School Constitutional Litigation Clinic filed a petition today urging the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to rule that denying New Jersey citizens on parole and probation the right to vote violates universal human rights principles.

ACLU of New Jersey Survey: Immigrant Students at Risk of Exclusion in One Out of Four Schools (08/30/2006)
NEWARK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today called on the state Department of Education to put an end to school practices that violate state and federal laws by requiring that parents who wish to enroll their children in public school provide private information about them, such as their Social Security numbers. This practice has the most chilling effect on immigrant students seeking to register for school, the ACLU said.

ACLU of New Jersey Defends Second-Grader's Right to Sing Religious Song (06/05/2006)
NEWARK, NJ - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today filed a friend-of-the-court brief in a case seeking to uphold an elementary school student's right to religious expression.

ACLU Launches Nationwide Action Against NSA Snooping on Americans’ Phone Calls (05/24/2006)
NEW YORK -- Responding to reports that phone companies are turning over private details about Americans’ telephone calls to the National Security Agency, the American Civil Liberties Union today launched a nationwide initiative to end illegal government spying.

ACLU of New Jersey Goes to Court for Open Government Records (05/04/2006)
NEWARK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey filed one lawsuit and reopened another today in actions concerning refusals by five New Jersey towns and the State Attorney General's Office to disclose information about individuals and organizations designated as "potential threat elements," including the criteria used by the state to make such determinations.

New Jersey Chinese Restaurant Settles Waitress Exploitation Lawsuit Brought by ACLU (05/02/2006)
FAIRVIEW, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union announced today that it has settled a federal lawsuit against the Rainbow Buffet restaurant brought by two immigrant waitresses who say they were exploited and subjected to physical and emotional abuse.

ACLU of New Jersey Seeks “Potential Threat Elements” Details (03/21/2006)
NEWARK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today renewed a public records request to nine New Jersey towns for information about individuals and organizations designated as “potential threat elements” (PTEs), including the criteria used by the towns to make such determinations.

In a National First, New Jersey Court Says Homeowner Associations Must Respect Residents' Free Speech Rights (02/07/2006)
NEWARK, NJ -- The Rutgers Constitutional Litigation Clinic and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today praised an appeals court opinion that provides new rights under the state Constitution for the more than one million residents of private communities governed by homeowners associations in the state.

ACLU of New Jersey Helps Protesting Student "Skirt" School's No-Shorts Policy (01/25/2006)
NEWARK, NJ - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today announced that it has reached an agreement with the Hasbrouck Heights School District on behalf of Michael Coviello, a 17-year-old male student who was prohibited from wearing a skirt to school.

ACLU of New Jersey Defends Free Speech for Flemington Peace Protestor (12/15/2005)
FLEMINGTON, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today announced that it is seeking the dismissal of a citation to Flemington resident Bob Flisser for being part of a public vigil for fallen soldiers without obtaining a permit. In an appearance before a municipal court, the ACLU said the Flemington "parade" ordinance violates numerous free speech protections.

Women Abused and Exploited by New Jersey Chinese Restaurant, ACLU Charges (10/31/2005)
NEWARK -- Two immigrant waitresses at the Rainbow Buffet restaurant in Fairview, New Jersey were exploited by their bosses, deprived of wages and tips, and subjected to physical and emotional abuse, according to a federal lawsuit filed today by the American Civil Liberties Union.

ACLU of New Jersey Defends Property Owner Against Government Seizure of Land to Give to Religious School (10/18/2005)
NEWARK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey announced today that it is representing tavern owner Cheng "Terry" Tan, who is fighting the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency's attempt to take his restaurant by eminent domain. Jersey City officials want to take Tan's land to give it to a parochial school, St. Peter's Prep, for its football field.

ACLU of New Jersey Joins Lawsuit Supporting Second-Grader's Right to Sing "Awesome God" at Talent Show (09/20/2005)
NEWARK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today announced that it is seeking to participate as a friend-of-the-court in the case of a second-grade student who was barred from singing a religious song in a voluntary, after-school talent show.

Appeals Court Clears Way for Restaurant Worker Exploitation Case to Continue (06/17/2005)
PHILADELPHIA -- The American Civil Liberties Union today announced that a federal appeals court has ruled that a sex discrimination and labor exploitation lawsuit brought by two immigrant waitresses against a New Jersey Chinese restaurant may continue.

ACLU Argues That Exploited Restaurant Workers Should Not Be Denied Their Day in Court (05/26/2005)
PHILADELPHIA -- Before a federal appeals court today, the American Civil Liberties Union argued that a federal trial court wrongly dismissed a sex discrimination and labor exploitation lawsuit brought by two immigrant waitresses against a Chinese restaurant.

ACLU of New Jersey Wins Free Speech Victory for 8th Grade Webmaster (04/03/2005)
NEWARK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey announced today that the U.S. District Court has ruled in favor of free speech for students, finding Oceanport school officials liable for violating the rights of an eighth-grade student by punishing him for creating a website on his home computer that included student comments criticizing the school.

ACLU of New Jersey Successfully Defends Republican Candidates' Right to Political Speech (02/10/2005)
NEWARK - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey announced today that it successfully obtained a court order dismissing a libel suit filed against the Piscataway Republican Organization and its recent slate of candidates for township offices. The lawsuit against the Republicans was filed by the Piscataway Democratic Organization and centered on language used on campaign billboards and fliers.

ACLU of New Jersey Successfully Defends Right of Religious Expression by Jurors (12/22/2004)
NEWARK, NJ-- The State Supreme Court ruled today that a prosecutor violated the New Jersey Constitution when he removed two jurors from a jury pool, one for wearing Muslim religious clothing and another for having engaged in missionary activity.

ACLU of New Jersey Wins Victory In DNA Law Challenge (12/22/2004)
NEWARK, NJ - The Superior Court of New Jersey in Mercer County ruled today that New Jersey must limit its new DNA collection law so that it does not violate the constitutional right of freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures.

ACLU Defends Ethiopian Woman Kept in Forced Labor in New Jersey (12/21/2004)
NEWARK, NJ-The American Civil Liberties Union today filed a lawsuit on behalf of an Ethiopian woman who was brought to the United States and forced to work without pay as a live-in domestic and childcare worker for a New Jersey couple, in violation of state, federal and international laws.

ACLU of New Jersey Announces Lawsuit Seeking Secret State Information on "Potential Threat Elements" (12/02/2004)
NEWARK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today filed a lawsuit challenging the New Jersey Attorney General's refusal to disclose information about individuals and organizations designated as "potential threat elements" (PTEs), including the criteria used by the state to make such determinations.

ACLU of New Jersey Secures Right of Army Officer to Display Political Lawn Sign (10/31/2004)
NEWARK, NJ - In response to complaints from an army officer, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today announced that the Borough of Haddon Heights has agreed not to ban the display of political signs on residents' lawns.

ACLU of New Jersey Charges Newark Policies Infringe on Free Speech (09/01/2004)
NEWARK--The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey filed a lawsuit today challenging two Newark policies that infringe on free speech by restricting people's rights to distribute leaflets on public sidewalks and requiring march and rally organizers to purchase expensive insurance policies.

ACLU of New Jersey Sues Manalapan Police for Targeting African American Youths (08/25/2004)
NEWARK -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Manalapan Police Department on behalf of three African American teenagers who said that officers searched them without justification and called them names while the boys' three white friends were told to go home.

New Jersey Swim Club Owners Who Barred "Black or Brown-Skinned" Patrons to Pay $1 Million Settlement in ACLU Lawsuit (05/26/2004)
NEWARK - Owners of a swim club in suburban Nutley, New Jersey who violated state discrimination laws when they turned away "black" and "brown-skinned" customers and guests will pay $1 million to settle a lawsuit brought against them by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, the ACLU announced today.

Two More New Jersey Towns Unanimously Pass Pro-Civil Liberties Resolutions (02/11/2004)
NEWARK -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today applauded the Township Councils of Ewing and Mullica for their unanimous vote in support of pro-civil liberties resolutions that affirm their commitment to defending national security without sacrificing fundamental civil rights and liberties.

ACLU of New Jersey Challenges State Law Mandating DNA Collection (01/21/2004)
NEWARK -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a state law that requires all persons convicted of a crime, including juveniles, to provide a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

ACLU of New Jersey Applauds Passage of Landmark Domestic Partnership Legislation (01/08/2004)
NEWARK -- Today the New Jersey Senate joined the New Jersey Assembly in approving domestic partnership legislation that will extend some of the legal rights traditionally given to married people to same-sex couples as well as opposite-sex couples over the age of 62.

Rutgers Law School and ACLU Challenge Denial of Voting Rights in Groundbreaking Lawsuit (01/06/2004)
NEWARK -- The American Civil Liberties Union and the Constitutional Litigation Clinic at Rutgers Law School today filed a groundbreaking lawsuit challenging the denial of voting rights to persons on probation or parole in New Jersey.

ACLU of New Jersey Files Free Speech Lawsuit Against School District for Retaliation Against Eighth Grade Webmaster (12/18/2003)
NEWARK - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today filed a lawsuit against school officials in the town of Oceanport who punished an 8th grade student for creating a website from his home computer that included student comments criticizing the school.

ACLU of New Jersey Commends Princeton for Passage of Pro-Civil Liberties Resolution (10/08/2003)
NEWARK -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today applauded passage of a resolution by the Princeton Borough Council calling upon Congress to scrutinize the USA PATRIOT Act and the manner in which its enforcement may imperil civil liberties. The pro-civil liberties resolution makes Princeton the second New Jersey community (following Willingboro) to register criticism of the federal government's controversial USA PATRIOT Act.

ACLU Wins $3.5 Million on Behalf of Waitresses Exploited at a Chinese Restaurant in New Jersey (09/25/2003)
NEWARK- A federal judge has ordered a Chinese restaurant to pay $3.5 million to two immigrant waitresses who were exploited by their bosses based on their gender and ethnicity, deprived of wages and tips, and housed in a crowded, substandard apartment, the American Civil Liberties Union announced today.

ACLU of New Jersey Successfully Challenges Subpoena for Student Journalist's Death Penalty Documentary Notes (09/08/2003)
NEWARK - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey announced today that a federal court has blocked the forced disclosure of video-taped interviews that Rowan University student Jason Kitchen had created for a documentary about a New Jersey death row inmate.

New Jersey High Court Upholds State's "Family Cap" Welfare Law; ACLU and Family Advocates Vow to Hold State to Promise of Aid for Needy (08/04/2003)
TRENTON-Attorneys and advocates for women and children expressed disappointment with a ruling today by the New Jersey Supreme Court that the state can deny benefits to children born into families already receiving welfare. The groups vowed to hold the state to its promise to insure the "health and safety of families in need."

ACLU Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Waitresses Exploited at Chinese Restaurant in New Jersey (06/11/2003)
NEWARK, NJ- Two immigrant waitresses at a Chinese restaurant in Wayne were exploited by their bosses because of their gender and ethnicity, deprived of wages and tips and housed in a crowded, substandard apartment, according a complaint filed today against the restaurant's owners and management by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Federal Appeals Court Clears Way For ACLU Lawsuit Over FBI Censorship of Internet Website (04/03/2003)
NEW YORK- The American Civil Liberties Union today said it will be moving forward in its First Amendment lawsuit over censorship of a controversial website by federal law enforcement officials, now that a federal appeals court has rejected the government's attempt to dismiss the case.

Red Alert: ACLU of NJ Calls Counter-Terrorism Chief's Comments Counter-Productive (03/21/2003)
NEWARK - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today severely criticized a high-level state official for saying that in the event of a "red alert" security level, "You literally are staying at home?What we're saying is, 'Everybody sit down.' If you are left standing, you are probably a terrorist."

Newspapers Ask High Court to Resolve Conflict Over Access to Secret Immigration Hearings (03/03/2003)
NEW YORK - Acting on behalf of a group of New Jersey newspapers, the American Civil Liberties Union today urged the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lower court ruling upholding a government policy that blocks media and public access to immigration hearings of people detained after September 11.

In Legal First, NJ Supreme Court to Consider Law Denying Aid to Children of Families on Welfare (01/21/2003)
TRENTON -- The American Civil Liberties Union will tomorrow urge the New Jersey Supreme Court to reject a state law that denies welfare benefits to children born into families already receiving welfare.

ACLU of NJ Wins $775,000 for Victims of Racial Profiling by State Troopers (01/13/2003)
NEWARK -- The State of New Jersey has agreed to pay more than $775,000 to motorists who were victims of racial profiling to settle lawsuits brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, the group announced at a news conference today.

ACLU Disappointed Over Federal Appeals Court Decision to Not Rehear Case Challenging Closed Hearings (12/04/2002)
PHILADELPHIA-Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union today expressed disappointment with a federal appeals court ruling that denied the petition of a group of newspapers to rehear a case that challenged the government's practice of closing immigration hearings to the press.

ACLU Asks Appeals Court to Reconsider Ruling Upholding Closed Hearings in Sept. 11 Immigration Cases (11/22/2002)
NEW YORK -- The American Civil Liberties Union today asked a federal appeals court to reconsider a ruling that immigration hearings involving people detained after Sept. 11 may be unilaterally closed by the government without the input of a court.

Judge Rules ACLU Discrimination Suit Against Continental Airlines Can Go Forward (10/18/2002)
NEWARK - A federal district judge has denied a motion to dismiss two federal civil rights lawsuits alleging that Continental Airlines discriminated against passengers in removing them from a flight, the American Civil Liberties Union announced today.

Racist Owners of Swim Club Barred "Black" and "Brown-Skinned" Visitors, ACLU of NJ Charges (08/22/2002)
NEWARK, NJ-Owners of a swim club in suburban Nutley violated state discrimination laws when they turned away "black" and "brown-skinned" customers and guests, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey charged today in a lawsuit filed on behalf of a group of parents and their children.

NYCLU Hails State Court's Rejection of Death Penalty For First Person Sentenced Under New Law (07/09/2002)
NEW YORK--The New York Civil Liberties Union today hailed a decision by the New York Court of Appeals vacating the death sentence imposed on Darrel Harris, who was the first person to be sentenced to death under the death penalty statute enacted in New York in 1995.

ACLU and New Jersey Public Interest Group Contest Hospital Merger that Reduces Access to Family Healthcare (07/08/2002)
NEWARK, NJ-- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey and the New Jersey Appleseed Public Interest Law Center today filed a motion to intervene in the merger between Burlington County's Rancocas Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes Healthcare Services, in an effort to preserve the availability of family reproductive healthcare services including tubal ligations, vasectomies and abortions. 

ACLU of NJ Asks Court to Stop INS from Preventing Departure of Detainees (04/26/2002)
NEWARK, NJ--The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today filed legal papers asking a state appeals court to stop the federal government from misinterpreting a court ruling to prevent detainees from leaving the country after their immigration cases have been resolved. 

ACLU Blasts Attorney General's Move to Subvert Court Order Opening Records of Immigration Detainees (04/18/2002)
WASHINGTON--Attorney General Ashcroft today issued a regulation forbidding non-federal authorities from releasing information about immigration detainees held in state and local facilities, an act the American Civil Liberties Union said was the latest Justice Department attempt to keep its actions shrouded in secrecy. 

ACLU of New Jersey Wins Access to Information on Post-September 11 Detainees (03/27/2002)
NEWARK, NJ-- Saying that secret arrests are "odious to a democracy," a state court here has granted the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey access to records of Immigration and Naturalization Service detainees held in jails in Hudson and Passaic counties. 

Advocacy Groups Hold Rights Trainings For Jailed INS Detainees (03/13/2002)
NEWARK -- The American Civil Liberties of New Jersey and coalition organizations today said that they have completed three "Know Your Rights" training sessions in the last week for detainees being held by the Immigration and Nationalization Service in Hudson, Passaic and Middlesex County Jails. 

ACLU Files Second Challenge to Closed Immigration Hearings on Behalf of NJ Newspapers Seeking Access (03/06/2002)
NEWARK, NJ--In its second challenge to a government policy blocking public access to immigration hearings, the American Civil Liberties Union today filed a First Amendment lawsuit on behalf of two New Jersey media organizations whose reporters were blocked from attending routine proceedings.

Second Challenge to Closed NJ Hearings On Behalf of NJ Newspapers Seeking Access (03/06/2002)
NEWARK, NJ--In its second challenge to a government policy blocking public access to immigration hearings, the American Civil Liberties Union today filed a First Amendment lawsuit on behalf of two New Jersey media organizations whose reporters were blocked from attending routine proceedings.

ACLU of New Jersey Files Lawsuit Seeking Information on Post-September 11 Detainees (01/22/2002)
NEWARK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today announced the filing of a lawsuit against Hudson and Passaic Counties, seeking disclosure of the names of all Immigration and Naturalization Service detainees held in those counties' jails. 

With Highway Shooting Case Settled, ACLU of NJ Calls Upon State to Make Amends in Racial Profiling (01/15/2002)
NEWARK, NJ--Despite settling the highway shooting case that brought racial profiling to the nation's attention -- and an admission by state troopers that they had been directed to profile -- New Jersey officials have yet to make restitution to all victims of the state-sponsored practice, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey said today.

ACLU of NJ Expresses Concerns Over Reported Plea Bargain in Police Highway Shooting Case (01/11/2002)
NEWARK, NJ--The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today expressed concern that the reported plea bargain for state troopers John Hogan and James Kenna may represent another instance in which New Jersey is refusing to hold police officers responsible for excessive use of force. 

Court Says ACLU NJ Racial Profiling Case Can Include Claims that Officials Acted with "Deliberate Indifference" to Discrimination (01/10/2002)
CAMDEN, NJ--The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today scored a significant victory in its legal efforts to end racial profiling when a court refused to dismiss a claim that state officials acted with deliberate indifference to evidence of discrimination against minority motorists. 

ACLU of NJ and Immigrant Advocates Offer Free Legal Advice To People Questioned in Federal "Dragnet" Investigation (12/14/2001)
NEWARK, NJ--The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey announced today that it is working with Muslim advocates and immigration attorneys to provide attorneys to accompany any individuals in New Jersey who are questioned by officials as part of a U.S. Department of Justice "dragnet" investigation. 

ACLU Unveils New Ad in Campaign to End Racial Profiling in New Jersey (10/25/2001)
NEWARK, NJ -- In the latest phase of its campaign to bring attention to the ongoing problem of racial profiling in New Jersey, the American Civil Liberties Union today unveiled a new advertisement aimed at raising awareness of the problem and informing victims of their rights. The latest ACLU advertisement highlights a plaintiff in the New Jersey racial profiling case. (Click on the ad for larger version)

New Jersey's Victims of Racial Profiling Call for Justice and Closure 'Enough Already,' Say Advocate (10/10/2001)
NEWARK, NJ - - Victims of racial profiling came together in a news conference today to ask New Jersey to do right by those it has discriminated against and harassed. 

NJ's Highest Court Places Limits on Use of Force in Taking Blood Samples from DWI Suspects (07/26/2001)
NEWARK, NJ--In an important decision affecting the rights of people under arrest, the New Jersey Supreme Court today placed limits on the police's use of physical force in extracting blood alcohol evidence from drunk-driving suspects. 

ACLU, Public Citizen Hail First Appeals Court Decision Protecting Anonymous Internet Critics (07/11/2001)
MORRISTOWN, NJ -- Adopting arguments made by attorneys for Public Citizen and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, a state appeals court today rejected a company's attempt to discover the identities of anonymous Internet message posters by going to court.

ACLU and Animal Rights Group Challenge NJ Shore Town's Ban on Boardwalk Leafleting (05/30/2001)
TRENTON, NJ--Acting on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (""PETA""), the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today filed a lawsuit challenging a town's ban on the distribution of leaflets and other printed matter. 

Fair Haven, New Jersey High School Senior is Among 12 Winners of ACLU College Scholarship for Youth Activism (05/23/2001)
NEWARK, NJ - - The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today announced that Annie Preziosi of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School is one of 12 seniors nationwide to be awarded a $4,000 college scholarship in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the struggle to defend civil liberties. tice and equality,"" said Deborah Jacobs, Executive Director of the ACLU of New Jersey. ""She has proven herself to be a true believer who seeks to educate, when appropriate, and is willing to fight, when needed, to preserve liberty for all.""

Court Strikes Down NJ City's Curfew (05/04/2001)
Today's decision by Judge Kenneth S. Levy, barred enforcement of the curfew. Levy held that exceptions to the curfew were so vague that they failed to inform people what conduct would be prohibited and what would not be permitted. 

NJ Appeals Court Affirms Decision Striking Down Local Curfew Ordinance (03/23/2001)
TRENTON, NJ -- Ruling in a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, a state appeals court today upheld a ruling that had struck down a West New York curfew ordinance as unconstitutional. 

Free Speech Victory For NJ University Alumni Group in Magazine Censorship Case (03/13/2001)
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - Superior Court Judge Joseph Messina ruled today that Rutgers University Magazine violated the free speech rights of the Rutgers 1000 Alumni Council by refusing to publish their advertisement. 

Immigrant Workers File Federal Class Action Lawsuit Against Local 99¢ Stores, Seeking Unpaid Wages and Overtime (01/09/2001)
JERSEY CITY, NJ-- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today announced the filing of a federal lawsuit on behalf of eight immigrant workers who are seeking unpaid wages and overtime from Universal Distribution Center, a local corporation that operates a chain of bargain stores throughout the New York and New Jersey region.

Citing Student Privacy, Court Blocks Random Drug Testing at New Jersey High School (01/04/2001)
NEWARK--Saying that "students should not have to surrender their right to privacy," a New Jersey judge today blocked a local high school's random drug testing policy in a challenge brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey on behalf of three area families.

Citing Student Privacy, Court Blocks Random Drug Testing at New Jersey High School (01/04/2001)
NEWARK--Saying that "students should not have to surrender their right to privacy," a New Jersey judge today blocked a local high school's random drug testing policy in a challenge brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey on behalf of three area families.

ACLU Praises Federal Convictions of Police Officers in Beating Death of New Jersey Man (12/20/2000)
NEWARK, NJ--The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today praised the verdict in a federal lawsuit against five Orange City police officers convicted of conspiring to deprive Earl Faison of his civil rights when he was killed in police custody on April 19, 1999.

U.S. Supreme Court Declines Lesbian 'De-Facto Parent' Case, Letting Landmark Gay Family Decision Stand (10/10/2000)
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Supreme Court announced this morning that it will not hear a challenge to whether the former partner of a lesbian mother is entitled to visitation with the twins she helped raise since birth. At issue was a New Jersey Supreme Court ruling in April that the non-biological mother maintains legal rights after breaking up with the biological mother.

ACLU Defends Woman Denied Right to Change Her Name Because of Same-Sex Relationship (09/21/2000)
NEWARK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today filed an appeal on behalf of a woman who was denied the right to change her name to include the last name of her life partner because she is in a same-sex relationship.

ACLU Urges NJ Court to Strike 'Family Cap' Provision for Welfare Recipients (08/30/2000)
NEWARK, NJ--The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey along with the lawyers from NOW Legal Defense entered court today in their challenge to the Child Exclusion provision of New Jersey's welfare law.

NJ Supreme Court Strikes Down Parental Notification for Abortion Act, Protecting Teen Rights and Safety (08/15/2000)
TRENTON, NJ -- Reaffirming the fundamental right of young women to choose to terminate their pregnancies, the New Jersey State Supreme Court, in a 4 to 2 decision, today struck down a law that would have prevented pregnant teens from getting an abortion unless they notified a parent or obtained a court order. The law did not impose a similar requirement on minors seeking other pregnancy-related care.

With ACLU Help, Parents and Students Fight Drug Testing Policies at NJ High School (08/14/2000)
NEWARK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today filed a lawsuit challenging Hunterdon Central High School's expanded drug testing policy, which requires that students participating in athletics, extracurricular activities and those parking on campus submit to random drug tests.

New Jersey Court Ruling on Abortion Ban Protects Women's Health and Lives, ACLU Says (07/27/2000)
NEWARK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union is encouraged by a decision of the court of appeals striking down a deceptively vague and dangerous law that would have put women's health at risk and banned all of the safest, most commonly used methods of abortion throughout pregnancy.

Frisking Photo Puts Whitman on Defensive (07/10/2000)
TRENTON, NJ -- After enduring two years of criticism for the racial profiling practices of her state troopers, Gov. Christine Todd Whitman has a new public relations problem, The New York Times reported: a photo of the governor herself, grinning as she frisks a black man.

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling that Boy Scouts Can Discriminate is 'Damaging but Limited,' ACLU Says (06/28/2000)
NEW YORK -- This morning's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Boy Scouts of America is exempt from state laws that bar anti-gay discrimination will have only a limited impact on civil rights laws nationwide, the American Civil Liberties Union said today.

Women & AIDS Clinic and ACLU File Suit Alleging Discrimination Against HIV-Positive Woman (06/28/2000)
NEWARK, NJ -- The Women and AIDS Clinic at Rutgers Law School and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today filed a federal lawsuit against New Jersey state officials for discriminating against an HIV positive woman and her newborn child.

Supreme Court Looks at Implications of Gays in Boy Scouts (04/26/2000)
WASHINGTON -- The question before the Supreme Court today was whether the Boy Scouts have a constitutional right to exclude gay members, but the Justices did not seem particularly interested in either Boy Scout policy or the future of gay rights, The New York Times reported.

Unprecedented Group of Civil Rights, First Amendment Advocates Join ACLU in Urging U.S. Supreme Court to Block Boy Scouts Bias (04/26/2000)
NEW YORK - Assembling one of the broadest, most powerful coalitions ever to come before the U.S. Supreme Court in a lesbian and gay rights case, the American Civil Liberties Union, joined by 18 of the nation's leading civil rights groups, today urged the Court to rule that Boy Scouts of America cannot discriminate against gay people.

New Jersey Supreme Court Grants Visitation to Former Partner of Lesbian Mom, Establishes "Psychological Parenthood" (04/06/2000)
The historic decision legally recognizes the important child-parent relationships that gay men and lesbians form with the children they raise. The American Civil Liberties Union argued the case as a friend-of-the-court in October. 

Unprecedented Group of Civil Rights, First Amendment Advocates Join ACLU in Urging U.S. Supreme Court to Block Boy Scouts Bias (03/29/2000)
NEW YORK -- Assembling one of the broadest, most powerful coalitions ever to come before the U.S. Supreme Court in a lesbian and gay rights case, the American Civil Liberties Union today filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of a dozen groups urging the Court to rule that Boy Scouts of America cannot discriminate against gay people.

U.S. Justice Department and State of New Jersey Enter Into Consent Decree (12/29/1999)
NEW JERSEY -- Last week, the State of New Jersey and its Division of State Police entered into a far-reaching settlement with the U.S. Justice Department that includes the establishment of an independent monitor to ensure that racial profiling by state troopers cease.

Court Invalidates West New York Curfew Ordinance (09/13/1999)
WEST NEW YORK, NJ -- Ruling in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, a Superior Court judge today struck down a West New York curfew ordinance as unconstitutional.

In Legal Challenge to NJ Parental Notification Act, ACLU Defends Rights of Teens (09/13/1999)
HACKENSACK, NJ -- The American Civil Liberties Union today filed suit on behalf of health care providers and their patients throughout the state to prevent New Jersey from enforcing a restrictive new abortion law aimed at minors.

ACLU of New Jersey Sues Trenton Officials for Denying Public Forum to Community Activist (08/12/1999)
TRENTON -- The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey today filed a lawsuit against city officials for refusing to allow a local community activist to use the City Hall Atrium for a press conference.

New Jersey High Court Says Ban on Gays in Boy Scouts Must Go (08/04/1999)
TRENTON, NJ -- In a unanimous decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court today said that the Boy Scouts of America's practice of excluding or dismissing a member solely on the basis of sexual orientation is illegal under the state's anti-discrimination law. The Court also rejected the Scouts' claim that the First Amendment gives them the right to discriminate.

ACLU and Coalition Groups Demand Independent Auditor and Civilian Review Board For State Police (07/13/1999)
NEWARK -- After government reports acknowledged that State Police were guilty of racial profiling and other discriminatory practices, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey and coalition groups today called upon Governor Christine Whitman to make State Police accountable to independent bodies, rather than just the Attorney General's office.

Parking Ticket Gripes Are Not Cause for Contempt (06/30/1999)
TRENTON -- New Jerseyans can now call a parking ticket "legal extortion" or write on their check that the money is going to the "highway robbery fund" with impunity -- or at least without fear of being held in contempt of court, the Bergen Record reported today.

ACLU of New Jersey Challenges HIV Discrimination (05/17/1999)
In September 1998, the woman, identified only as C.C. in the federal court complaint, went to Shelton Dental Services for a routine check-up. After her x-rays were completed by a dental assistant, Dr. McDaniels entered the examining room and asked C.C. questions about her medical history. Once Dr. McDaniels learned that C.C. was HIV positive, he refused to treat her and instead referred her to the Special Services Dental Clinic at the New Jersey Dental School. 

Recognizing Lesbian and Gay Family Relationships, NJ Appeals Court Grants Visitation Rights to Woman's Former Partner (03/08/1999)
TRENTON, N.J.-- In the first appeals court decision addressing the issue of visitation rights of a lesbian or gay non-biological co-parent, a New Jersey court said that the former partner of a lesbian mother was entitled to visitation with the twins she helped raise since birth.

ACLU of New Jersey Calls for "Early Warning System" to Discourage Racial Profiling by State Troopers (03/01/1999)
NEWARK, NJ -- At a press conference today, he American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey called on state officials to record racial demographics in highway traffic stops and establish an "early warning system" database to flag problem police officers.