ACLU: Nonprofit defending rights and liberties in the US through courts and advocacy.
Founded
1920
Location
New York City, NY, US
Founded in 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to defending and preserving the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. With a mission to ensure freedom and equality for all, the ACLU engages in litigation, advocacy, and public education across a wide range of issues including free speech, voting rights, criminal justice reform, and privacy. The organization operates nationwide, handling nearly 6,000 court cases annually.
Notable figures associated with the ACLU include past leaders like Roger Baldwin, its first executive director, and current influential legal experts and civil rights advocates. The organization is supported by over 500,000 members and numerous donors who share its commitment to civil liberties. Key achievements include landmark Supreme Court victories such as Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade. The ACLU's impact is profound, shaping American legal and social landscapes by championing fundamental freedoms and challenging injustices.