News & Commentary

Paul DeMarco wrote a letter to the editor dated January 13, 2020, in which he responded to a recent report by the Campaign for Smart Justice with ACLU of Alabama. The report analyzed 5 years-worth of data and projected a spike in Alabama’s already overcrowded prison population in 2020.

Two cases recently elevated by Smart Justice investigative reporting made a huge impact at the December “study group” meeting on Alabama’s prison crisis. Governor Kay Ivey, who has not attended the monthly meetings, formed the group in July to address “the challenges” facing Alabama’s prison system. The latest meeting on December 4 in Montgomery was the only opportunity given for people directly impacted by the crisis to speak publicly to the group. 

November is Native American Heritage Month, which celebrates the history, community, culture, and traditions of indigenous people. In honor of this month, we’re providing a guide to five Native American trailblazers that you should know.

Like many indigenous throughout the country, we are still dealing with the historical trauma associated with the original acts of “Discovery” and then the following “Doctrine of Discovery.” The fact that Indigenous people are still here is a miracle and a testament to our resilience.

The United States is in the midst of a prison suicide epidemic. In 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicides accounted for about 1.6% of overall U.S. deaths. Alabama, where I live, is at the center of the crisis.

Let’s address the term “violent inmate.” The implication is this person is actively dangerous, guilty of causing physical harm and likely to hurt someone again. None of this is necessarily true.

This past week the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) held a memorial service honoring Jake, a K-9 narcotics detection officer that died after he was exposed to a synthetic drug during a raid at Staton Correctional Facility.

June is Pride Month, chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall riots that happened in June 1969 and is largely regarded as the catalyst for the gay rights movement. This month, many cities hold their own Pride parades and festivals, which represents an opportunity for the LGBTQ community to be visible, to be celebrated, and to inspire.

Monday marked the last day that Governor Ivey signed bills from the 2019 regular session and this marks the completion of perhaps one of the legislature's greatest attacks on the civil liberties and rights of Alabamians. We followed the legislature closely from the moment bills were prefiled and we worked throughout the session to ensure these bad bills were met with a strong challenge by the ACLU. We tracked over 100 bills, held 6 public hearings, and took to the halls of the State House alongside our supporters to meet with lawmakers directly. Even when the outcome wasn't what we wanted, we made sure Alabama's legislators heard from thousands of ACLU supporters across our state by e-mail, phone calls, and social media posts.