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Appeals Court Orders Michigan To Restore 5,500 Voters To Rolls (10/30/2008)
CINCINNATI – A federal appeals court late Wednesday cleared the way for 5,500 illegally purged voters to be returned to the rolls in time for Election Day. The U.S. Appeals Court for the Sixth Circuit rejected Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land's request not to enforce an earlier court ruling that declared the state's voter removal programs illegal. The appeals court decision is the latest victory in a lawsuit filed in September by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Michigan, Advancement Project and the law firm of Pepper Hamilton LLP.

Judge Rules Michigan Voter Purge Program Violates Federal Law (10/13/2008)
DETROIT – In a major victory for voting rights, a judge today ruled that Michigan's voter removal program violates federal law and ordered the state to stop illegally purging voters from the rolls. The decision comes in a lawsuit filed last month by Advancement Project, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Michigan and the law firm of Pepper Hamilton LLP.

Advancement Project And ACLU Sue Michigan Secretary Of State Over Unlawful Voter Purging (09/18/2008)
DETROIT – Advancement Project, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Michigan and the law firm of Pepper Hamilton LLP filed a federal lawsuit late yesterday challenging two statewide voter purge programs that could potentially disfranchise hundreds of thousands of Michigan voters in advance of the November 2008 presidential election. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Detroit against Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Bureau of Elections Director Christopher M. Thomas, and Ypsilanti Clerk Frances McMullen.

Private Housing Company Won’t Evict Domestic Violence Victims After ACLU Lawsuit (02/26/2008)
DETROIT – A groundbreaking settlement agreement finalized today between a domestic violence survivor, a private housing complex and a property management company offers victims of domestic violence, stalking, date rape and sexual assault far reaching protections from eviction and discrimination. This is the first settlement of its kind that applies to private housing.

ACLU of Michigan Files Federal Lawsuit Challenging Primary Election Law (01/11/2008)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced today a federal lawsuit challenging the new primary law that requires the Michigan Secretary of State to provide party preference declarations solely to the two major political parties of the State. The law, passed in August of 2007, makes it a misdemeanor for others, including political parties, journalists, academics or historians, to have access or use the lists. The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Green Party of Michigan, Libertarian Party of Michigan, the Reform Party of Michigan, the Metro Times and Winning Strategies, a political consulting firm.

University’s Absolute Ban on Videotaping Without Permission is Unconstitutional, Says ACLU of Michigan (11/27/2007)
DETROIT – In a letter sent to Central Michigan University (CMU), the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan urged its president to recognize the right of individuals to videotape public figures in public places on the campus.

Reproductive Rights Groups Hail Decision Striking Down Michigan’s Third Attempt at a Dangerous and Extreme Ban on Abortion (06/04/2007)
CINCINNATI - The American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Reproductive Rights, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America today hailed a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit striking down Michigan’s third attempt at a dangerous and extreme ban on abortion. The ban would prohibit nearly all abortions and fails to provide an adequate exception to protect women’s health.

Judge Authorizes ACLU of Michigan Public Defense Lawsuit against State of Michigan (05/16/2007)
LANSING, MI - An Ingham County Circuit Court Judge ruled today that a lawsuit charging that State of Michigan failed to fulfill its constitutional obligation to provide appropriate defense services for those who cannot afford private counsel will proceed.

ACLU and Film Festival Sue Michigan Lawmakers Over Free Speech Violations (03/20/2007)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a federal lawsuit charging that state officials violated the First Amendment by punishing the Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) for screening films that the state deemed "objectionable."

ACLU Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Domestic Abuse Victim Who Was Evicted (02/21/2007)
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union today filed a federal sex discrimination lawsuit against a Detroit landlord after the company evicted a domestic violence victim from her home. The management company has refused to revise a policy that evicts all tenants whose “guests” create a disturbance or damage the property, including tenants who are victims of domestic violence.

ACLU Deeply Disappointed by Appeals Court Decision to Ban Domestic Partner Benefits, Vows to Appeal (02/02/2007)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union today expressed deep disappointment over the Michigan Court of Appeals ruling that the state’s marriage amendment prohibits public employers from offering domestic partner benefits.

Court Must Protect Americans from President’s Unchecked Spying, ACLU Argues (01/31/2007)
CINCINNATI - At a federal appeals court hearing today, the American Civil Liberties Union will argue that the president broke the law by authorizing the National Security Agency to engage in warrantless surveillance of Americans. The ACLU is urging the appeals court to uphold a lower court order that would prevent the NSA from resuming the illegal program.

ACLU Fights Eviction of Domestic Abuse Victim in Michigan (01/17/2007)
DETROIT - In a letter sent to an apartment management company today, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Michigan urged a Detroit landlord to revise a policy that evicts all tenants whose "guests" create a disturbance or damage the property, including tenants who are victims of domestic violence.

ACLU, NAACP File Lawsuit to Allow University of Michigan Admissions Programs to Continue (12/19/2006)
DETROIT - Filing a lawsuit today on behalf of 19 students, faculty and applicants to the University of Michigan, a coalition of civil rights groups including the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP, are asking a federal court to declare that the newly passed Proposal 2 has not changed the Supreme Court’s view, stated as recently as 2003, that it is constitutionally permissible for universities to consider race and gender as one factor among many in university admissions.

Michigan Judge Threatens $2 Million Fine for Inadequate Prison Health Care (12/08/2006)
KALAMAZOO, MI— The American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project and two Ann Arbor civil rights attorneys, Patricia Streeter and Michael Barnhart, today lauded a ruling by a Michigan judge calling for improvements to deficient prison health care.

Autopsy Confirms Michigan Prisoner Died Due to Deficient Care (11/20/2006)
JACKSON COUNTY, MI- The American Civil Liberties Union’s National Prison Project announced today the results of the autopsy of a Michigan prisoner who spent four days in restraints before his death in August 2006. The report confirmed that the 21-year-old, who has a history of mental illness, died of hyperthermia and dehydration after spending days shackled to a metal slab in an unbearably hot cell.

Bush Wiretapping Program Violates Federal Laws and the Constitution, Says ACLU (11/14/2006)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Michigan today urged a federal appeals court to uphold a lower court ruling declaring the government’s warrantless National Security Agency wiretapping program illegal, calling the government’s assertion of unchecked spying powers "radical" and a threat to American democracy.

The African American Policy Forum Teams with the Michael Eric Dyson Show for a Groundbreaking Radio Series (11/02/2006)
DETROIT -- As Michigan counts down to the November 7 vote on whether to end affirmative action in the state, Kimberle Crenshaw, Executive Director of the African American Policy Forum and Professor of Law at University of California Los Angeles and Columbia University and American Civil Liberties Union Ira Glasser Racial Justice Fellow has inaugurated a 13-part radio series on the Michael Eric Dyson Show. In this unprecedented series, entitled "13 Myths About Affirmative Action: A Special Series on a Public Policy Under Seige" Professor Crenshaw and a bevy of guests will join host Michael Eric Dyson to cut through the jargon surrounding this hot-button issue and get beyond the myths associated with it to help to educate voters about affirmative action and Proposition 2.

Citing Improvements to Law, ACLU Withdraws Section 215 Case But Vows to Fight Individual Orders (10/27/2006)
DETROIT -- Citing improvements to the law, the American Civil Liberties Union today withdrew a three-year-old lawsuit over Section 215 of the Patriot Act, but said it is prepared to defend individuals who receive demands for information under the provision.

Reproductive Rights Groups Ask Appeals Court to Uphold Ruling Striking Down Michigan’s Third Attempt at a Dangerous and Extreme Ban on Abortion (10/26/2006)
CINCINNATI - The American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Reproductive Rights, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America today asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit to uphold a lower court ruling striking down Michigan’s third attempt at a dangerous and extreme ban on abortion. The ban would prohibit nearly all abortions in the state and fails to provide an adequate exception to protect women’s health.

Federal Court to Hear Challenges to Deficient Health Care in Michigan Prisons After Prisoner Dies in Restraints (10/13/2006)
KALAMAZOO, MI- At a hearing tomorrow before U.S. District Court Judge Richard A. Enslen, the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project and two Ann Arbor civil rights attorneys will argue that some of the state's oldest and largest prisons do not meet constitutional standards for medical and mental health care, and that Patricia Caruso, Director of the Department of Corrections, should be held in contempt for the Defendants' non-compliance with court orders to improve medical services.

Detroit Judge Finds Patriot Act Provision Threatens Free Speech Rights (10/03/2006)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union today welcomed a federal court ruling that the Patriot Act threatens the free speech and religious freedom rights of groups who have reason to believe they are targeted by the law.

Federal Court Strikes Down NSA Warrantless Surveillance Program (08/17/2006)
DETROIT -- In an American Civil Liberties Union case, a federal court today ruled that the Bush administration’s program to monitor the phone calls and e-mails of Americans without warrants is unconstitutional and must be stopped. This is the first ruling by a federal court to strike down the controversial National Security Agency surveillance program.

U.N. Committee Blasts U.S. and Michigan on Juvenile Life Without Parole Laws (07/28/2006)
DETROIT — The American Civil Liberties Union today announced that the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) has expressed "concern" over state laws that allow juvenile offenders to be incarcerated for life and has asked the United States to ensure that no juvenile is sentenced to life without parole.

ACLU of Michigan Says Phone Companies Broke the Law, Urges Public Service Commission to Investigate (07/26/2006)
DETROIT -- 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 of Michigan today filed a complaint with the Michigan Public Service Commission against telecommunications giants AT&T and Verizon.

Government Abusing State Secrets Claim in NSA Case, ACLU Tells Court (07/10/2006)
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Michigan argued in federal court today that the National Security Agency should be held accountable for illegally monitoring the phone calls and e-mails of millions of Americans without warrants.

ACLU Urges Court to Reject State Secrets Claim in NSA Case (06/21/2006)
DETROIT -- The federal government should not be allowed to avoid judicial review of the National Security Agency's illegal spying program by invoking the state secrets privilege, argued the American Civil Liberties Union in legal papers released today.

ACLU of Michigan Settles “Biking While Black” Case; Teens Finally Given Closure (05/30/2006)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced today that its“bicycling while black” lawsuit, filed eight years ago on behalf of 22 teenagers, has finally been settled in an out-of-court agreement.

Children Sentenced to Life Without Parole Bring Plea to Human Rights Body (02/22/2006)
NEW YORK - The national American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Michigan today filed a petition urging the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to rule that sentencing children to mandatory life without the possibility of parole violates the Declaration of the Rights of Man and universal human rights principles.

ACLU Sues to Stop Illegal Spying on Americans, Saying President Is Not Above the Law (01/17/2006)
NEW YORK – Saying that the Bush administration’s illegal spying on Americans must end, the American Civil Liberties Union today filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against the National Security Agency seeking to stop a secret electronic surveillance program that has been in place since shortly after September 11, 2001.

Michigan Judge Thumbs His Nose at U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Poor People's Right to an Attorney (01/11/2006)
DETROIT - In a move reserved for extraordinary cases, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a class action lawsuit in the Michigan Court of Appeals to force a state judge to comply with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling granting poor people the right to attorneys on appeal.

Michigan Courts Use Cohabitation Law to Restrict Father's Visitation Rights (12/21/2005)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has appealed to the state Supreme Court on behalf of a divorced man whose overnight visitation with his children has been restricted by the court of appeals. The court order, based on an antiquated law that criminalizes "lewd and lascivious cohabitation," prohibits his girlfriend from sleeping at their shared home on the nights when the children are in the home.

ACLU of Michigan Defends Catholic Man Coerced to Convert to Pentecostal Faith in Drug Rehab Program (12/06/2005)
DETROIT - After exhausting all avenues in the Michigan courts, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a Catholic man who was criminally punished for not completing a Pentecostal drug rehabilitation program.

ACLU of Michigan Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Reform "Juvenile Life Without Parole" Sentences (11/03/2005)
DETROIT - One year after the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan released a report calling attention to the more than 300 juveniles living out life sentences in Michigan prisons with no hope of rehabilitation or release, legislation was introduced in Lansing today to correct the laws that punish children as adults.

Michigan Marriage Amendment Does Not Reach the Workplace, Judge Rules (09/27/2005)
LANSING, MI -- In a victory for Michigan same-sex couples, a state judge ruled today that public employers are not prohibited from offering domestic partner benefits to employees. The ruling comes in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan on behalf of 21 same-sex couples who were in danger of losing health care benefits after the state adopted a constitutional amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples in November 2004.

Federal Court Strikes Michigan Abortion Ban for Third Time; Reproductive Rights Groups Hail the Decision (09/15/2005)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America today hailed a decision by a federal court striking down the third Michigan ban on abortion enacted by the Michigan Legislature in the past decade. The groups learned of the decision late last night.

FBI Document Labels Michigan Affirmative Action and Peace Groups as Terrorists (08/29/2005)
NEW YORK -- The American Civil Liberties Union today released an FBI document that designates a Michigan-based peace group and an affirmative action advocacy group as potentially "involved in terrorist activities." The file was obtained through an ongoing nationwide ACLU effort seeking information on the FBI's use of Joint Terrorism Task Forces to engage in political surveillance.

ACLU of Michigan Challenges Breathalyzer Tests for Young Pedestrians (08/08/2005)
DETROIT - In a case with far-reaching implications for young adults and minors throughout the state, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a federal lawsuit today challenging a state law that allows police to force pedestrians under the age of 21 to take a Breathalyzer test without first obtaining a search warrant.

Michigan State Police and Legal Groups Agree To Changes To Help Identity Theft Victims (07/27/2005)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan and Legal Aid of Western Michigan today hailed an agreement with the Michigan State Police to clear the names of innocent victims of identity theft whose criminal records contain convictions that actually belong to the criminals who stole their identities.

Michigan Women Allowed to Join Fraternal Order of Eagles (07/12/2005)
DETROIT -- In a victory for women's equality, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today announced that they have reached an agreement with the National Fraternal Order of Eagles under which they will change their ""men-only"" policy and allow women to become full and equal members. A similar agreement was reached with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights regarding gender discrimination charges that were filed against a chapter of the FOE in 2002.

Supreme Court Agrees to Hear ACLU of Michigan 'Search and Seizure' Case (06/28/2005)
DETROIT -- On the last day of its term, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan raising the question of whether courts should suppress evidence seized by the police when they unlawfully enter a home without first knocking and announcing their presence. The ACLU is representing the homeowner, Booker T. Hudson.

U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Michigan Law (06/23/2005)
DETROIT -- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that the Michigan law denying legal representation to poor people in a criminal appeal is unconstitutional. The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed the one of a kind case after the law was passed in 1999.

Groups Ask Court to Block Michigan's Abortion Ban (06/14/2005)
DETROIT, MI -- The American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America asked a federal court today to block a broad and dangerous abortion ban Besides not providing an adequate exception to protect women's health, the ban goes farther than any other state or federal law by prohibiting even first-trimester abortions.

Federal Appeals Court Revives Michigan "Bicycling-While-Black" Lawsuit (06/08/2005)
DETROIT -- A federal appeals court today reinstated a so-called ""bicycling-while-black"" lawsuit after finding that there is enough evidence of racial discrimination and illegal searches by a suburban Detroit police department to take the case to a jury. The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan argued the appeal of the racial profiling lawsuit, which was brought by 21 young African American men in 2001.

Michigan Attorney General Plan Would Erode Right to Fair Trial, Charges ACLU (05/10/2005)
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today expressed concern over reports that Attorney General Mike Cox is pushing for legislation that would significantly alter the judicial process and jeopardize due process rights by doing away with preliminary examinations in most felony cases.

ACLU Asks Court to Grant Class Action Status in Saginaw County Jail For Abuse of Detainees (05/02/2005)
DETROIT -- Although the Saginaw County sheriff claims that a policy of stripping and holding pre-trial detainees naked in a segregated cell has ended, there is now evidence that this long-standing practice may still exist, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan said in legal papers filed late Friday requesting class action status for its lawsuit over the matter.

ACLU of Michigan Argues in Supreme Court that the Poor Have a Right to Counsel (04/25/2005)
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today urged the Supreme Court to strike down a Michigan law denying legal representation to thousands of poor people in their criminal appeals. The Court will consider the issue during oral argument today.

ACLU of Michigan Wants "Gag Order" on College Trustees Ended (04/19/2005)
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a lawsuit in federal court today on behalf of Thomas A. Hamilton, a St. Clair County Community College Trustee, after the college's board adopted a ""gag order"" prohibiting board members from talking to students, faculty and employees without first obtaining clearance from the College President.

Federal Appeals Court to Hear Two ACLU of Michigan Cases This Week (04/19/2005)
DETROIT -- An appeals court will hear two cases this week that were filed by the ACLU of Michigan. In the first case, the ACLU is arguing on behalf of the plaintiffs in a racial profiling lawsuit known as ""Bicycling While Black;"" the second case is a challenge to a city ordinance that makes it a crime to engage in a public protest unless a permit is obtained at least 30 days before the event.

Judges Rule High School Strip Searches Unconstitutional in ACLU of Michigan Lawsuit (04/04/2005)
DETROIT - In a victory for student rights, a panel of federal judges ruled today that a strip search conducted on more than 20 students at Whitmore Lake High School was unconstitutional.

Michigan Judge Allows Local Artist To Stay Out of Jail During Appeal (04/04/2005)
DETROIT - A local artist who was sentenced to 30 days in jail for painting a mural on the exterior wall of his studio will be staying at home as the case moves forward in the appeal process, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan said today.

ACLU Joins Lawsuits Charging That Michigan Jail Illegally Forced Inmates to Strip (03/28/2005)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced today that it will join in three lawsuits that have been filed against the Saginaw County Jail for allowing egregious and unconstitutional treatment of detainees. All three cases challenge policies that allow prison personnel to strip inmates, and two of the cases charge that detainees were stripped and held naked in a cell referred to as "the hole."

ACLU of Michigan Files Lawsuit of Behalf of 21 Couples Who May Lose Same-Sex Partner Benefits Under Proposal 2 (03/21/2005)
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a lawsuit asking a state court to declare that ""Proposal 2,"" an amendment passed by Michigan voters in November 2004 regarding same-sex marriage, does not prohibit domestic partnership benefits offered by public employers.

Michigan Abortion Ban Put on Hold While Challenge Proceeds (03/14/2005)
DETROIT, MI - The American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America announced today that the state has agreed to block enforcement of the Michigan abortion ban until the court considers the legal challenge against the law later this spring.

ACLU Applauds Michigan's Withdrawal From MATRIX Program (03/08/2005)
NEW YORK - The American Civil Liberties Union applauds the decision by the Michigan State Police to drop out of the MATRIX interstate public-private information -sharing program. The decision not only appears to reflect a recognition that Michigan's participation in the program is forbidden under state law, but is in fact in the best interests of the residents of Michigan. We hope that the other four states that continue to participate in this project - Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Connecticut - will follow suit.

Women's Health Care Providers Challenge MI Law Banning Virtually All Abortions (03/01/2005)
DETROIT, MI-The American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America asked a federal court today to strike down a broad abortion ban that would outlaw virtually all abortions in the state and interfere with a doctor's ability to provide other critical health care services.

Court Rules that Michigan State Police Must Disclose Information About MATRIX in ACLU Lawsuit (02/04/2005)
DETROIT - A judge ruled today that an American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan lawsuit, which challenges state police participation in the Multi-State Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange (MATRIX), can move forward with discovery. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the organization and three individuals, including former Michigan Governor William Milliken and a Catholic nun, who say that MATRIX is out-of-step with state law.

ACLU Urges Michigan State Police to Stop Re-victimizing Identity Theft Victims (01/19/2005)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan and Western Michigan Legal Services (WMLS) today urged the state attorney general to stop re-victimizing victims of identity theft.

ACLU of Michigan Joins Nationwide Effort to Expose FBI Spying on Law-Abiding Political and Religious Groups (12/02/2004)
DETROIT - Suspecting that law enforcement is spying on political and faith-based groups, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed Freedom of Information Act requests to the FBI and Michigan State Police to uncover who is being investigated and why. The requests are being made on behalf of Michigan peace and student activist groups, civil rights organizations, a Muslim charity and individuals who speak out against U.S. policies.

ACLU Sues Detroit Hotel Over Age Discrimination (10/20/2004)
DETROIT -The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed an age discrimination lawsuit against a downtown Detroit hotel that refused to rent a room to a 20-year-old Army Reservist and his 18-year-old girlfriend because they were too young.

Michigan Judge Rules Utica School Violated Student Journalist's Free Speech Rights (10/12/2004)
DETROIT - A federal court judge ruled today that a Utica high school violated the First Amendment by censoring an article in the school newspaper written by the paper's student editor, Katherine Dean. Judge Arthur Tarnow ruled from the bench, ending the two-year old lawsuit.

ACLU Argues in Supreme Court that the Poor Have a Right to Counsel (10/04/2004)
DETROIT - The Supreme Court will hear arguments from the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today that a state law is unconstitutional because it prevents poor people from getting legal representation in the appeal of most guilty plea cases. Michigan is the only state in the nation that does not allow judges to appoint lawyers and to deny attorneys in such circumstances.

Three Michigan Municipalities Agree to Protect Free Speech Rights of Their Residents (09/22/2004)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced today that several municipalities in western Michigan have agreed not to enforce ordinances that violate the First Amendment by limiting the rights of individuals to display political signs on their private property.

ACLU Urges Detroit to Uphold the First Amendment Rights of City Council Members (09/17/2004)
DETROIT- In a letter sent today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan urged Detroit's office of Corporation Counsel not to file a potential ethics complaint against three members of the Detroit City Council for speaking out during a town hall meeting in support of laid-off city and school workers.

Growing Rate of Juvenile Life Sentences Examined in ACLU of Michigan Report (09/14/2004)
DETROIT - In a report released today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan called attention to the growing number of juveniles serving life sentences in Michigan prisons with no hope of rehabilitation or release.

ACLU of Michigan and Former Governor Charge State Police with Violating Data Collection Law Through Controversial MATRIX Database Program (08/03/2004)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today announced the filing of a lawsuit on behalf of its members and three individuals, including former Michigan Governor William Milliken and a Catholic nun, asking the court to stop the state police from participating in MATRIX, the Multi-State Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange surveillance program, until they are willing to comply with state law.

Michigan Court Punishes Catholic Man for Refusing Conversion to Pentecostal Faith in Drug Rehab Program (07/20/2004)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today asked the state Supreme Court to hear the case of a Catholic man who was criminally punished for not completing a Pentecostal drug rehabilitation program, which prevented him from practicing his own religious faith. His request to be transferred to another program that would allow him to practice his own faith was denied and he was sentenced to six months in jail and boot camp.

ACLU Challenges Detroit Police over Mass Searches of Public School Students (06/10/2004)
DETROIT -The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a federal lawsuit challenging a Detroit city policy that allows police and school officials to conduct mass searches of public school students.

ACLU Questions Michigan State Police's Authority to Participate in MATRIX Data Collection Without Oversight (05/20/2004)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today asked the state police to issue a formal ruling explaining why they believe that their participation in the "Multi-State Anti-Terrorist Information Exchange" (MATRIX), a controversial database surveillance program, is not subject to a state law requiring legislative approval of such activities.

Justice Department May Be Using Controversial Patriot Act Powers After All, Letter Reveals (05/20/2004)
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Ashcroft's widely publicized announcement last September that the Justice Department had not yet used a controversial provision of the Patriot Act is now under question in two pending lawsuits filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the group revealed today.

Michigan School District Takes Action to Stop Racism After Black Student Is Attacked in "KKK Game" (05/19/2004)
DETROIT - As the country focuses on the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark case that ended government-imposed segregation in public schools, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today announced the settlement of a complaint filed on behalf of an African American student who was the victim of racial harassment and attacked by white students in a so-called "game of KKK."

After ACLU Intervention on Behalf of Christian Valedictorian, Michigan High School Agrees to Stop Censoring Religious Yearbook Entries (05/11/2004)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today announced an out-of-court settlement between the Utica Community School District and a local student over the censorship of her 2001 yearbook entry. The student's entry had been deleted from the yearbook because it contained a passage from the Bible.

Michigan School Reverses Student's Suspension For Wearing "Anarchy" T-Shirt (05/10/2004)
DETROIT - Officials with Bay City Schools have changed their minds about suspending a high school student for wearing a t-shirt with an anarchy symbol, after the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan appealed the suspension, the ACLU announced today.

ACLU of Michigan Calls on State Joint Appropriations Subcommittee to Investigate Cost of MATRIX Program (03/16/2004)
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan said today that it would request a discussion of the controversial data-mining program known as MATRIX at a March 18 meeting of the state legislature's Joint Appropriations Subcommittees on State Police/Military and Veterans Affairs.

ACLU Questions Michigan State Police Involvement in Data Surveillance Program (02/17/2004)
DETROIT- Following a news report that the Michigan State Police admitted it has released information to a multistate police database, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today submitted a third ""Freedom of Information Act"" request about the state's participation in the new ""MATRIX"" surveillance system. This latest admission comes after the state denied involvement in the program in response to two previous FOIA requests from the ACLU.

ACLU Urges Appeals Court to Enforce Fire Safety Regulations in Michigan Prisons (02/05/2004)
CINCINNATI-Citing the grave risks to the health and lives of prisoners and their guards, the American Civil Liberties Union today urged a federal appeals court to uphold a ruling directing the Michigan Department of Corrections to ensure that its prisons conform to national fire safety standards.

Documents Acquired By ACLU Prove That MATRIX is a Data Mining Program (01/21/2004)
NEW YORK--New documents released today by the American Civil Liberties Union prove that data mining is at the heart of the controversial MATRIX police database system and reveal that the federal authorities have been deeply involved in developing the state-run effort to spy on citizens.

Settlement Reached in ACLU of Michigan Lawsuit Over Mandatory Drug Testing of Welfare Recipients (12/18/2003)
DETROIT - Michigan's attempt to impose mandatory drug tests on all welfare recipients has finally come to an end, the American Civil Liberties Union announced today after a settlement was reached with the Family Independence Agency (FIA). The FIA can now require drug testing of welfare recipients only where there is a reasonable suspicion that the recipient is using drugs.

In First Settlement of its Kind, Michigan Domestic Violence Victims Will No Longer Face Eviction (12/10/2003)
DETROIT - In a precedent-setting settlement of a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, the Ypsilanti Housing Commission has agreed to end a policy that led to the eviction of domestic violence victims, the ACLU announced today.

Federal Court in Detroit Hears Arguments Today in ACLU Challenge to PATRIOT Act (12/03/2003)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union will present arguments in federal court today in the first case to review the constitutionality of a controversial section of the PATRIOT Act. The hearing marks the first time the Justice Department has been called upon to defend the law in court.

Michigan Court Strikes Down Breathalyzer Tests for Pedestrians as Unconstitutional (11/25/2003)
DETROIT - In a ruling that will impact young adults throughout the state, a federal judge ruled that Bay City police may no longer force pedestrians under age 21 to take a Breathalyzer test without obtaining a search warrant, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced today.

PATRIOT Act Fears Are Stifling Free Speech, ACLU Says in Challenge to Law (11/03/2003)
NEW YORK - Fear of the PATRIOT Act has caused a dramatic decline in memberships and donations at mosques and forced a church-sponsored group that aids refugees to change its record-keeping practices, the American Civil Liberties Union said in legal papers filed today in Detroit.

Judge Rules in Favor of Michigan Student's Right to Wear Anti-War T-Shirt to School (10/01/2003)
DETROIT - In a victory for students' free speech rights, a federal judge has ruled that the Dearborn teenager who was prohibited from wearing a t-shirt with a picture of President Bush that reads, "International Terrorist" must be allowed to wear the shirt to school.

ACLU of Michigan Criticizes Attorney General's Plan to Bypass the Public on his Visit to Detroit (08/19/2003)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today criticized Attorney General John Ashcroft's plan to avoid the public and address only law enforcement officials when he comes to Detroit on Thursday on his new national tour to defend the PATRIOT Act and the government's war on terrorism.

Ann Arbor City Council Passes Civil Liberties Resolution, Joining 136 Cities Across the Nation (07/08/2003)
ANN ARBOR, MI-In a resolution passed by its city council last night, Ann Arbor became the 137th locality in the country to oppose anti-civil liberties portions of the USA PATRIOT Act.

Judge Imposes Birth Control To Prevent Michigan Woman From Having More Children (07/08/2003)
DETROIT - In a blatant attack on personal privacy rights, a Lapeer County judge has ordered a woman to submit to a medically ""verifiable"" method of birth control in an abuse and neglect proceeding regarding her two children, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, which filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of the woman.

ACLU Lauds Landmark Supreme Court Decisions Upholding University's Affirmative Action Policies (06/23/2003)
NEW YORK--The American Civil Liberties Union today applauded the Supreme Court's decisions today upholding the principle that public universities may continue to use affirmative action to ensure a diverse student body.

Two Middle Eastern Men Who Protested Biased Treatment at Michigan Store Have a Right to Speak Out, ACLU Tells Court (06/04/2003)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of two Middle Eastern men who are fighting an attempt to block their distribution of fliers expressing concern about biased treatment they received at a Meijer's gas station in the city of Fraser.

ACLU Urges Supreme Court to Uphold Affirmative Action Policies in College Admissions (03/31/2003)
NEW YORK-In a landmark case being argued tomorrow before the Supreme Court, the American Civil Liberties Union will urge the Justices to uphold the admissions policies of the University of Michigan, which seeks to promote a diverse student body by employing affirmative action programs.

ACLU of Michigan Files Lawsuit on Behalf of High School Student Barred From Wearing Political T-Shirt (03/27/2003)
DETROIT -- Challenging a school's decision to prohibit a student from wearing an anti-war t-shirt, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a lawsuit in federal court against Dearborn Public School officials for violating the First Amendment rights of their students.

MI Court of Appeals Backs Disability Rights of Cyclist on Mackinac Island (03/27/2003)
DETROIT - Responding to a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, a state appeals court today ruled unanimously that Mackinac Island violated the Americans With Disabilities Act by refusing to grant a resident with multiple sclerosis his request to use an electric-assisted tricycle.

ACLU of Michigan Condemns FBI Decision to Immediately Begin Questioning Iraqis (03/20/2003)
DETROIT-- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today expressed grave concern about an announcement by local FBI officials that no assurances would be provided to Arab men not suspected of wrongdoing yet targeted for questioning.

ACLU Supports MI High School Student Sent Home for Wearing Anti-War T-Shirt (02/25/2003)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union today said that it is looking into possible litigation on behalf of Bretton Barber, a junior at Dearborn High School who was told to go home if he did not remove a t-shirt with a picture of President Bush between the words "international terrorist."

ACLU of MI Sues Dearborn Over 30-Day "Waiting Period" for Protests (01/21/2003)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Dearborn challenging the constitutionality of a city ordinance that makes it a crime to protest unless a permit is obtained at least 30 days before the event.

Prison Officials' Failure to Contain Hepatitis C Brings Epidemic Outside Prison Walls, MI ACLU Charges (01/21/2003)
DETROIT - In a class-action lawsuit that may impact thousands, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today charged state prison officials with allowing an infectious disease to reach epidemic proportions by failing to adequately test and treat inmates with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). The class action lawsuit was filed today in federal district court.

From Free Speech to Due Process, ACLU of MI Is Busy in Three Different Courts Today (12/11/2002)
DETROIT -- Three lawsuits filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan will be heard today in three separate courts. Two of the cases involve free speech, while the third involves due process rights.

Stopping Student Conference Would Violate Free Speech Rights, ACLU of Michigan Says (10/10/2002)
DETROIT- Citing First Amendment guarantees of free speech, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the University of Michigan's decision to allow a student organized conference in support of Palestine to convene on campus this weekend.

Federal Appeals Court Declares Secret Deportation Hearings Unconstitutional in ACLU Victory (08/26/2002)
DETROIT-- In a unanimous decision today, a federal appeals court struck down the government's blanket policy of conducting secret deportation hearings in post-9/11 cases as a violation of the First Amendment. It is the first such decision by a federal appellate court anywhere in the country.

Detroit Settles ACLU Lawsuit Challenging Police Sting Operation Against Gay Men (07/23/2002)
DETROIT--The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced today that a settlement has been reached with the City of Detroit in a constitutional challenge of the undercover sting operations in a local park that targeted gay men or men perceived to be gay. 

ACLU Welcomes Michigan Prisons' New Policy On Privileged Prisoner Mail (05/01/2002)
WASHINGTON-The American Civil Liberties Union's National Prison Project welcomes a new policy instituted today by the Michigan Department of Corrections that bans prison staff from reading or skimming privileged prisoner legal mail. 

Rejecting Government Secrecy, Court Orders Open Immigration Hearings in Post-Sept. 11 Challenge (04/04/2002)
DETROIT--Saying that government secrecy ""only breeds suspicion,"" a federal district judge has ruled that the government violated the constitution when it blocked public access to immigration hearings.  

"Cussing Canoeist" Conviction Reversed in Michigan (04/01/2002)
DETROIT--In a case that drew international attention, a Michigan appeals court today struck down a 105-year-old law used to convict a man dubbed the ""cussing canoeist,"" saying that the law unquestionably "operates to inhibit the exercise of First Amendment Rights." 

ACLU Files First Post-Sept. 11 Challenge To Closed Immigration Hearings on Behalf of MI Congressman and Journalists (01/29/2002)
DETROIT--In a case that could open the doors to legal proceedings of detainees around the nation, the American Civil Liberties Union today filed a lawsuit on behalf of two local newspapers and Rep. John Conyers, D-MI, saying that a categorical block on public access to immigration hearings is unconstitutional and un-American. 

ACLU of Michigan Urges Legislature to Proceed Cautiously On State Anti-Terrorism Act (01/23/2002)
DETROIT--In anticipation of next week's Judiciary Committee agenda in the Michigan Senate, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today sent a letter urging legislators to proceed cautiously as they begin the public hearings on the state Anti-Terrorism Act. 

ACLU Challenges Detroit Police Profiling of Gay Men in Parks (12/17/2001)
DETROIT--The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court of Michigan challenging the constitutionality of undercover sting operations conducted in Rouge Park by Detroit police. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of four area men and the Triangle Foundation, a gay advocacy group. 

Michigan Civil Rights Groups Announce "Know Your Rights" Hotline for Targets of Dragnet Investigation (11/29/2001)
DETROIT--Citing growing concerns over law enforcement's persistent targeting and ongoing detention of Middle Eastern men, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today announced the creation of a "Know Your Rights" telephone hotline. 

Michigan Lawsuit Over Race Discrimination in State Scholarship Awards Gains Ground with Court Ruling (11/21/2001)
DETROIT--In a move forward for a civil rights lawsuit challenging Michigan's inappropriate use of a high school assessment test to award college scholarships, a federal judge today rejected the state's attempt to dismiss the case, which was brought by a coalition including the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. 

Michigan Court Asked to Strike Down High School's Urine Testing Policy (06/05/2001)
FLINT, MI--The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today asked a Circuit Court to rule Grand Blanc High School's drug testing policy a violation of the state Constitution's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. 

ACLU of Michigan Applauds Introduction of Legislation to End Racial Profiling (05/31/2001)
DETROIT-- As the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan and as vice-chair of Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust, a coalition of civil rights organizations, national, state and local law enforcement agencies, and community organizations that has been meeting for over two years on this issue, I applaud the introduction of Representative Buzz Thomas' legislation that will hopefully be the beginning of the end of racial profiling. 

Holly, Michigan High School Senior is Among 12 Winners of ACLU College Scholarship for Youth Activism (05/23/2001)
DETROIT - - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today announced that Alec Gibbs of Fenton Senior High School is one of 12 seniors nationwide to be awarded a $4,000 college scholarship in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the struggle to defend civil liberties. high school student working to ensure that we keep the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution."

Federal Court Strikes Down Michigan Ban on Safe Abortion Procedures (04/26/2001)
DETROIT - For the second time in four years, a federal court struck down a Michigan ban on safe abortion procedures, saying the law endangered women's health, the American Civil Liberties Union announced today.

Michigan Court Rejects Noisy Steel Company's Attempt to Intimidate Quiet Neighborhood (04/26/2001)
DETROIT-- Supporting the public's right to speak out on public issues without fear of retaliation, a Macomb County Circuit Court judge today dismissed a lawsuit brought by Kendor Steel company against a woman who complained about noise coming from the company's plant. 

ACLU of Michigan Joins "Bicycling While Black" Lawsuit (04/10/2001)
DETROIT-Acting on behalf of 21 young African-American men who were stopped by the police while riding their bikes, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today joined in a racial profiling lawsuit against Eastpointe officials and police officers. 

Noisy Steel Company Intimidates Quiet Neighbor with Retaliatory Lawsuit (04/09/2001)
DETROIT, MI--At a hearing today in Macomb County's Circuit Court, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan was among those asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit against a local woman who complained about noise from a neighboring steel business and is now being sued in retaliation. 

Turning Back Clock on Fairness, Court Rejects Univ. of Michigan's Affirmative Action Policy (03/27/2001)
The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, which was part of a legal team that successfully defended the university's undergraduate affirmative action policy, said that today's ruling could bring a return to the days when institutions of higher education are largely white and affluent. 

Male Correction Officers Should be Restricted From Some Areas of Women's Prisons, ACLU Says (03/06/2001)
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a friend-of-the-court brief today arguing that an important legal settlement designed to protect women prisoners from sexual abuse and assault by male corrections officers should be upheld. 

Women's Rights and Reproductive Health Care Suffers as the Michigan Legislative Session Ends (12/15/2000)
DETROIT--The fight for women's rights and reproductive health care suffered severe setbacks in the recently concluded legislative session, the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood said today.

Citing Value of Diversity, Federal Court Upholds University of Michigan's Affirmative Action Policy (12/13/2000)
DETROIT--Saying that diversity in higher education is a "compelling government interest," a federal judge today rejected an attempt to dismantle the University of Michigan's affirmative action program.

With ACLU Help, Local Man Gets Back $2,000 in Bail Money Seized Unfairly by Police (11/21/2000)
WAYNE, MI--A man who had $2,000 cash subjected to a dog-sniff test and seized by police when he came in to bail out a friend is finally getting his money back, the American Civil Liberties Union said today.

ACLU of Michigan Celebrates Sound Defeat of Voucher Program (11/08/2000)
DETROIT -- An effort to amend the Michigan Constitution to allow the use of public tax dollars for private and religious school tuition ended in a resounding defeat yesterday in our statewide election. 

ACLU Supports Parents in Demanding that Coach Stop Leading Prayer Before Football Games (10/30/2000)
DETROIT, MI - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today sent a letter to Melvindale School District officials urging an end to faculty-led religious prayer prior to high school football games.

With a 'Hi-Oh, Silver!' ACLU Challenges Michigan Anti-Mask Law on Behalf of "Lone Ranger" Protesters (10/18/2000)
DETROIT--The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan and National Lawyer's Guild today filed a motion to dismiss charges against 13 protesters for wearing Lone Ranger masks during a June demonstration protesting air quality in downtown Detroit.

Citing "Dangerous Precedent," Federal Judge Blocks MI's Plan to Drug Test Welfare Recipients (09/05/2000)
DETROIT, MI -- A federal district judge today blocked the country's first-ever law requiring welfare recipients to undergo drug testing, saying that the policy, enacted by Michigan last year, sets a "dangerous precedent" under the Constitution.

Civil Rights Groups Deplore "Swimming While Black" Incident at Ann Arbor Pool (08/28/2000)
ANN ARBOR, MI - The American Civil Liberties Union, the NAACP and other civil rights leaders are speaking out at rally this weekend protesting the unjustified search and detention of six African-American youth at a public pool here.

ACLU of Michigan Sues School District Over Strip Search of Students (08/15/2000)
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a federal lawsuit today against the Whitmore Lake School District for the unjustified strip searches of more than 20 male and female students last May.

Peace Activist Settles Lawsuit Against United States Customs Service (07/06/2000)
DETROIT, MI -- In a settlement negotiated by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Constitutional Rights, the U.S. Customs Office has agreed to return illegally seized film and videocassettes of conditions in Iraq to peace activist Daniel Handelman. Mr. Handelman will also receive $15,000 in damages and attorney fees.

Civil Rights Groups Sue Over Race Bias in Michigan Merit Scholarship Program (06/27/2000)
DETROIT, MI -- By relying on an inappropriate test to award state college scholarships, Michigan is denying deserving students whose race, ethnicity, and educational disadvantages are factors in lower test scores, a coalition of civil rights organizations charged today in a federal lawsuit.

Kalamazoo Student Wins First ACLU Youth College Scholarship (04/20/2000)
DETROIT, MI -- The American Civil Liberties Union today announced the winners of a nationwide student activist scholarship competition, awarding eight high school seniors $4,000 each for outstanding contributions in the struggle for civil liberties and the rights of young people.

Court Rejects Michigan's Attempt to End ACLU Challenge to Urine Testing of Welfare Recipients (04/18/2000)
DETROIT, MI -- Rejecting Michigan's attempt to end a lawsuit challenging drug testing of welfare recipients, a court today ruled that the action brought by the American Civil Liberties Union must go forward.

ACLU Sues Michigan Community Schools over Drug Testing Policy (03/28/2000)
GRAND BLANC, MI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed suit on behalf a high school student challenging a school policy requiring drug tests of student athletes.

Citing Ongoing Abuses, ACLU of MI Challenges Law Cutting Off Legal Protection for Female Prisoners (03/14/2000)
DETROIT, MI -- Saying that female prisoners at a county jail are subject to sexual harassment and barred from work release and other jail programs on the basis of gender, the ACLU of Michigan today filed a federal class action challenge to a new state law barring prisoners from seeking protection in the courts.

In Legal Challenge, ACLU of Michigan Says New Law Hampers College Students' Voting Rights (02/24/2000)
LANSING, MI -- In an effort to preserve their voting rights, representatives from six university student assemblies today filed a lawsuit challenging a local requirement that a person's driver's license address and voter registration address be the same.

ACLU, Planned Parenthood Challenge Michigan Law Criminalizing Abortion and Other Medical Procedures (02/01/2000)
DETROIT, MI -- Seeking to block a second attempt by Michigan lawmakers to interfere with important medical decisions, Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union today filed a legal challenge to a restrictive new law that endangers women's reproductive health.

ACLU Defends First Amendment Rights of MI Activist Arrested for Election Day Exit Poll (01/31/2000)
DETROIT, MI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has asked a judge to dismiss criminal charges filed against a man arrested for taking an exit poll of voters outside a polling place during the mayoral election last November.

Michigan State Police Join National Push to Collect Race Data on Traffic Stops (12/10/1999)
MICHIGAN - According to a story in today's Detroit News, the Michigan State Police will begin in January tracking the race of all drivers pulled over for traffic stops. Reflecting a nationwide push for such monitoring programs, troopers will log the race and gender of every motorist stopped -- even if no ticket is issued. They'll also note whether the vehicle was searched.

ACLU of Michigan Challenges Police Arrests of People Who Refuse to Identify Themselves (11/29/1999)
EAST LANSING, MI -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a lawsuit against city and police officials here, challenging the constitutionality of the police department's practice of arresting, detaining and prosecuting people for refusing to produce identification upon demand.

In Vigil for Nathaniel Abraham, ACLU Says System Failed Troubled Child (11/23/1999)
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today joins our friends in the civil rights community, including Rev. Wendell Anthony, Rev. Al Sharpton, and attorney Geoffrey Fieger, in a vigil outside the facility where 13-year-old Nathaniel Abraham is being held pending his sentencing for second degree murder.

Judge Blocks First-Ever Mandatory Drug Testing of Michigan Welfare Recipients (11/10/1999)
DETROIT, MI -- A federal judge in Michigan today halted the state's attempt to impose mandatory drug tests on all welfare recipients, confirming American Civil Liberties Union arguments that being poor is not an indication of being criminal.

Michigan ACLU Seeks Halt to Nation's First Mandatory Welfare Drug Testing Program (09/30/1999)
DETROIT -- Saying that Michigan's poorest families should not be treated like criminals, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today filed a federal class-action lawsuit to halt the nation's first statewide drug testing requirement for welfare recipients.

Appeals Court Allows Rights Groups to Enter Affirmative Action Battle in Michigan (08/10/1999)
DETROIT -- A federal appeals court ruled today that African American and Latino high school students here have a "direct and substantial" interest in the outcome of a lawsuit over the University of Michigan's affirmative action policies and should be allowed to participate in a pending trial.

Court of Appeals Grants Intervention Motion Filed by Coalition of Civil Rights Groups in University of Michigan Lawsuit (08/10/1999)
DETROIT -- A federal appeals court ruled today that African-American and Latino high school students have a "direct and substantial" interest in the outcome of a lawsuit over the University of Michigan's affirmative action policies.

Citing Marketplace of Ideas, Michigan Court Puts Internet Censorship Law on Hold (07/29/1999)
DETROIT -- Saying that Internet speakers faced an unconstitutional "Hobson's Choice" between free speech and criminal prosecution, a federal judge today halted enforcement of a state law criminalizing online communications deemed "harmful to minors."

ACLU Challenges Michigan Cyber-Censorship Law, Citing Commerce Clause and Free Speech Rights (06/23/1999)
DETROIT--In a complaint filed today in federal district court, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan said that a state law criminalizing online communications deemed "harmful to minors" violates free speech rights and the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution.

Michigan House Nixes Death Penalty Bill (04/22/1999)
With a two-thirds majority vote needed to advance the bill to put capital punishment on the 2000 ballot, the House did not come close to the number of votes needed as House Joint Resolution H was sent back to committee where it is not expected to surface again during this legislative session.