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Free Speech Groups to Challenge Ban on Political Attire at Polls (10/29/2008)
Richmond, VA - Three Virginia-based free speech organizations today announced plans to mount a legal challenge to a controversial new State Board of Elections policy prohibiting the wearing of buttons, t-shirts and other apparel with political messages in polling places.

ACLU Tells Radford Registrar to Stop Sending Misleading Requests to Students Who Apply to (09/30/2008)
Richmond, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia yesterday emailed a letter to the General Registrar for the City of Radford asking that he cease sending misleading postcards to Radford University college students who are attempting to register to vote using their dormitory as their home address. The postcard, sent after the student's application has been filed with the registrar, states that the application cannot be processed until a "home address" is provided to the registrar.

ACLU Asks Virginia Police Chiefs to Train Personnel on the Rights of Persons Who Register Voters (09/24/2008)
Richmond, VA – The ACLU of Virginia is mailing letters today to every police chief in Virginia - 185 in all - asking each to immediately initiate programs to educate local law enforcement personnel on the right of individuals to engage in door-to-door voter registration drives.

Virginia Supreme Court Rules State Anti-SPAM Law Violates Free Speech by Curtailing Non-commercial Political Speech (09/12/2008)
Richmond, VA - The Supreme Court of Virginia today struck down a Virginia law banning unsolicited bulk emails, or SPAM, on grounds that the law is overly broad, criminalizing not only commercial SPAM but anonymous non-commercial bulk emails containing political and religious messages.

ACLU Urges Registrars to Allow Students to Register to Vote in Local Elections (09/03/2008)
Richmond, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia this morning is faxing letters to 30 local registrars urging them to allow students to register to vote where they attend school. The registrars were selected because they oversee voter registrations in areas where college students are likely to live.

Court Upholds Privacy Advocate's Right to Post Public Records on Website (08/22/2008)
Richmond, VA - Federal Court Judge Robert E. Payne today ruled that Virginia's new law prohibiting the publication of Social Security Numbers, including those taken from government websites available to the public, is unconstitutional as applied to the website of privacy rights advocate B.J. Ostergren.

Virginia Court Affirms Vermont's Jurisdiction in Same-Sex Couple's Interstate Custody Dispute (08/22/2008)
Frederick County, VA – A state circuit court judge has rejected yet another attempt to overturn a Vermont custody order giving child visitation rights to a lesbian parent from a now-dissolved civil union.

Norfolk Drops Criminal Charges against Music Artist for On-stage Comments (07/24/2008)
Norfolk, VA -- The City of Norfolk has dropped cursing in public charges against rapper Raymond "Boots" Riley, who was removed from the stage during a performance at the Bayou Boogaloo at Town Point Park in June.

Fourth Circuit Upholds Fredericksburg Prayer Policy (07/23/2008)
Richmond, VA -- A three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals today upheld Fredericksburg City Council's policy requiring that formal prayers used to open its meetings be nonsectarian. The opinion was written by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who was a guest-member of the panel when it heard oral arguments in March.

ACLU Challenges Virginia Law Prohibiting Dissemination of Public Records with Social Security Numbers (06/11/2008)
Richmond, VA - The ACLU of Virginia today filed a lawsuit in federal court in Richmond on behalf of privacy advocate B.J. Ostergren, challenging a new Virginia statute that prohibits the dissemination of public records that contain Social Security Numbers, even when the records are obtained from government websites available to anyone.

Botetourt County Promises to Repeal Ordinance Placing Time Limits on Campaign Signs (04/22/2008)
Botetourt County, VA - Botetourt County Administrator Gerald Burgess has informed the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia that a local ordinance prohibiting the posting of campaign signs on private property more than 60 days in advance of an election will be repealed in the near future and will not be enforced in the interim.

Virginia Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Same-Sex Couple's Interstate Custody Dispute (04/17/2008)
Richmond, VA - The Virginia Supreme Court this morning heard arguments in a long-running custody dispute over a child born during the Vermont civil union of two women. The Lambda Legal Defense Fund, the ACLU of Virginia, and Equality Virginia represented Janet Miller-Jenkins, the non-biological mother, who has asked Virginia to honor a Vermont court's ruling, which awarded her visitation rights after the civil union was dissolved.

Berryville Revises Demonstration Ordinance Under Pressure from ACLU and VOP (04/15/2008)
Berryville, VA – Less than a month after the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and the Virginia Organizing Project threatened to file a lawsuit, the Town Council of Berryville has repealed its old demonstration and parade ordinance and passed a new one.

Federal Court Says Ban on Alcohol-Related Advertising in College Publications Violates Free Speech (04/01/2008)

ACLU Says Schools Must Provide In-state Tuition to U.S.-Born Virginia Residents Even If Parents Are Undocumented (03/25/2008)
Richmond, VA -- In letters being mailed today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia warns Virginia colleges against denying in-state tuition to U.S.-born students whose parents are undocumented immigrants. The ACLU’s letter responds to a memo from the Virginia Attorney General’s office claiming that undocumented persons are not considered to be domiciled in Virginia and therefore their children are presumed not to be domiciled here as well. One must be domiciled in Virginia to receive in-state tuition.

ACLU Seeks Repeal of Botetourt County Ordinance Placing Time Limits on Campaign Signs (03/20/2008)
Botetourt County, VA -- The ACLU of Virginia today urged Botetourt County government officials to immediately suspend -- then repeal -- an ordinance that prohibits residents from having campaign signs in their yards more than 60 days in advance of an election or more than 15 days afterwards. The ACLU is prepared to go to court to have the ordinance declared unconstitutional.

Fired Art Teacher Wins $65,000 Settlement from Chesterfield County School Board (03/07/2008)
Chesterfield County, VA — The ACLU of Virginia today announced that it has reached an agreement with the Chesterfield County School Board in the case of former Monacan High School art teacher Stephen Murmer. Murmer was fired in January 2007 for creating paintings rendered by transferring paint from his body onto canvasses. The paintings were produced at Murmer’s own expense and during his private time away from work.

ACLU Lawsuit Says Officials Unconstitutionally Prevented Man From Voting In Virginia (02/28/2008)
RICHMOND, VA – The American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of Virginia today filed a federal lawsuit against a Virginia county’s voting officials for refusing to allow a resident to vote when he was unable to produce identification. Virginia law allows registered voters in state elections to vote without an ID, once they have signed an identity verification form.

Nightspot with Racially Discriminatory Policy Settles Case with DOJ; ACLU Lawsuit Pending (02/12/2008)
Virginia Beach, VA—The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement resolving allegations of racial discrimination against the owner of Kokoamos Island Bar, Grill and Yacht Club in Virginia Beach. Kokoamos at one point banned patrons who wore braids, twists, cornrows, or dreadlocks.

ACLU Hotline To Help Virginia Voters Who Encounter Problems During Presidential Primaries (02/11/2008)
RICHMOND, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia will have its hotline open tomorrow for voters who run into problems at the polls during the presidential primaries. The hotline will enable voters to contact someone at the ACLU if they feel they have been illegally denied the right to vote. The ACLU hotline number is 804/644-8080.

ACLU Urges William & Mary to Allow Controversial Show to Go On (02/04/2008)
Richmond, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today faxed a letter to William & Mary President Gene Nichol urging him to allow a performance of the Sex Workers’ Art Show to take place tonight as scheduled. The letter also informs him that a special contract the college is requiring sponsoring students and performers to sign is unconstitutional.

ACLU In Court To Protect Right To Adequate Legal Representation (01/31/2008)
RICHMOND, VA – The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments tomorrow in a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union to seek a fair compensation process for lawyers representing indigent defendants in that court. The case involves two court-appointed attorneys whose fees in a death penalty case were cut drastically and without any explanation from the court.

Senate Committee to Take Up Voter Restoration Bill Today (01/15/2008)
Richmond, VA – The Privileges and Elections Committee of the Virginia Senate will likely vote this afternoon on a constitutional amendment to allow non-violent felons who have completed their sentences to be able to vote. Under existing law in Virginia, all felons are permanently disenfranchised, and may have their right to vote restored only by the Governor.

ACLU Demands Virginia High School Stop Censoring Gay Student (12/20/2007)
PORTSMOUTH, VA – The American Civil Liberties Union today demanded that a high school that punished a student for wearing a t-shirt featuring a lesbian pride symbol apologize to the student and guarantee that it will no longer illegally censor her in the future. School officials at I.C. Norcom High School had threatened the 17-year-old senior with suspension because a teacher was upset by her t-shirt, which bears an image of two overlapping female gender symbols.

ACLU Asks Registrars in First Congressional District to Make Certain that Poll Workers Are Trained to Inform Voters of Alternatives to Showing ID (12/12/2007)
Richmond, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia is sending today a memo to every voter registrar in the First Congressional District, where a special election will be held tomorrow to elect a replacement for Rep. Jo Ann Davis, who recently passed away. The memo asks registrars to make certain that poll workers inform voters that they are permitted to vote even if they are not carrying any form of identification with them.

ACLU Challenges Virginia Law Excluding Prisoners From FOIA (12/06/2007)
RICHMOND, VA – The ACLU of Virginia was in court this morning seeking to overturn a Virginia statute that prevents prisoners from using the state Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain public documents. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit heard oral arguments in the case.

ACLU Seeks Materials on Voter ID Requirements at Polls (11/15/2007)
RICHMOND, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today sent a Freedom of Information Act request to local voting officials across the state seeking copies of signs used at polling places on Election Day and training materials pertaining to voter identification requirements.

Election Day Hotlines Will Help Voters Who Encounter Problems at the Polls (11/05/2007)
RICHMOND, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP will provide hotlines tomorrow for voters who run into problems on Election Day. The decision to inform voters of their rights and to offer assistance stems from the experiences of the NAACP and the ACLU in recent years.

ACLU of Virginia and NAACP Announce Election Day Hotlines and "Voter Empowerment Cards" (10/25/2007)
RICHMOND, Va. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP have established hotlines for voters who run into problems on Election Day and are distributing informational cards describing voters' rights at the polls. The cards are available in English and Spanish.

ACLU of Virginia Challenges Dismissal of Censored Art Teacher (10/04/2007)
Richmond, VA - Lawyers for the ACLU of Virginia today filed a lawsuit in federal court in Richmond to challenge the dismissal of Stephen Murmer, a Chesterfield County high school art teacher, who was fired over paintings he produces and sells on his own time. Murmer, who uses his buttocks and other parts of his body to transfer paint onto canvasses, lost his job last December after a video of him demonstrating his technique surfaced on YouTube.com.

Citing History of Discrimination, ACLU of Virginia Asks Richmond City Council to Reject Appointed School Board (10/01/2007)
RICHMOND, VA— The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today is asking Richmond City Council to reject attempts by a group of local civic and business leaders to eliminate the city’s elected school board in favor of an appointed one.

ACLU of Virginia Urges County Officials to Reject Anti-Immigrant Ordinance (07/09/2007)
RICHMOND, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today asked members of the Prince William Board of Supervisors not to approve a proposed anti-immigrant ordinance that could lead to increased discrimination based on national origin and to the denial of essential, legally required services to undocumented immigrants. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the controversial ordinance at its meeting tomorrow afternoon.

ACLU of Virginia and College Newspapers Say Ad Restrictions Violate Free Speech Rights (05/31/2007)
RICHMOND, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today appeared in federal court to challenge a state policy that violates the free speech rights of students by restricting alcohol advertisements in college newspapers.

ACLU of Virginia Asks Prison to Rescind Racially Discriminatory Hairstyle Policy (05/25/2007)
HAYNESVILLE, VA – The ACLU of Virginia today asked the warden at Haynesville Correctional Center in Richmond County to immediately rescind a recently implemented hair policy that appears to discriminate against African-American employees.

Department of Justice Joins ACLU of Virginia in Filing Lawsuit against Nightspot with Racially Discriminatory Policy (05/24/2007)
VIRGINIA BEACH — The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Barry Davis, owner of the Kokoamos Island Bar, Grill and Yacht Club, charging that the Virginia Beach nightspot discriminates against African-Americans by banning patrons who wear braids, twists, cornrows, or dreadlocks.

Hampton Veterans Hospital to Allow Visitors (04/16/2007)
HAMPTON, VA Following the threat of a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center today announced that it will allow patients held in its psychiatric ward to have visitors, effective immediately.

ACLU of Virginia Demands Veterans Hospital Lift Ban on Patients’ Visitors (04/11/2007)
HAMPTON, VA — The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today sent a letter to the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center demanding that it rescind a two-year old policy preventing psychiatric patients from receiving visitors. The civil liberties organization says it is considering litigation, but hopes to resolve the matter without going to court.

Virginia Senate Upholds Governor Kaine's Veto of Bills That Would Have Eliminated the "Triggerman" Rule (04/04/2007)
RICHMOND, VA - The Virginia Senate today upheld Governor Tim Kaine's veto of two bills that could have dramatically increased the number of executions in Virginia by allowing capital charges to be brought against accomplices and others only indirectly involved in first degree murders.

ACLU of Virginia Asks Governor to Amend Religion Bill (02/27/2007)
RICHMOND, VA- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today asked Governor Tim Kaine to amend proposed legislation intended to strengthen religious rights in Virginia. The ACLU said that it supports the law, but only if a clause is added to the bill to prevent it from being used as an excuse to discriminate against minorities, and it is changed to apply to incarcerated persons.

Virginia's Senate Committees Reject Anti-Immigrant Legislation (02/15/2007)
RICHMOND, VA-The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today welcomed the news that two Senate committees have dispensed with most of the anti-immigrant bills in the Virginia legislature.

ACLU Files Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Virginia Beach Nightspot Over Hair Policy (01/18/2007)
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia filed a lawsuit today against Barry Davis, owner of the Kokoamos Island Bar, Grill and Yacht Club, challenging a policy that prohibits persons wearing braids, twists, cornrows or dreadlocks from entering the Virginia Beach nightspot. According to papers filed in federal court, the policy discriminates on the basis of race because it targets hairstyles predominately worn by African Americans.

ACLU of Virginia Asks Governor to Stop Execution of Mentally Ill Death Row Inmate (12/04/2006)
RICHMOND, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today asked Governor Tim Kaine to lift the death sentence for Percy Walton, a severely mentally ill man scheduled for lethal injection on December 8. Walton was originally sscheduled to be executed on June 8, but Governor Kaine delayed the execution for six months in order to conduct his own evaluation of Walton's mental condition.

Virginia’s ACLU and NAACP Team Up to Help Voters on Election Day (11/02/2006)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP announced today that they have launched two hotlines for voters who run into problems on Election Day. The groups are also distributing cards that inform Virginians of their rights at the polls, and have offered to provide legal assistance to voters whose rights are violated.

ACLU of Virginia Offers Legal Assistance to Voters Denied Ballots Because They Refuse to Reveal Their Social Security Numbers (10/27/2006)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today announced that it is prepared to provide legal representation to registered voters in Chesterfield County who are denied absentee ballots because they refuse to give their Social Security numbers to election officials.

ACLU of Virginia Urges Manassas City Council Not to Discriminate Against Gay Business Owner (10/23/2006)
MANASSAS, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today urged the Manassas City Council not to deny a permit for a home-based massage therapy business simply because the owner is gay. Although the City Council has approved two other home-based massage businesses in the last two years -- and rejected none -- Howard Daniel’s request has provoked an unusual degree of opposition.

ACLU Asks Justice Department to Monitor Election Day in Virginia (10/20/2006)
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA -- Citing a pattern of voter suppression, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today asked the U.S. Department of Justice to send federal election observers to Chesterfield County on Election Day, November 7, 2006.

ACLU Tells Virginia Beach Bar to Rescind Racially Discriminatory Hair Policy or Face Legal Action (10/05/2006)
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA -- In a letter sent today to Barry Taylor, the owner of Kokoamos Island Bar, Grill and Yacht Club, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia demanded that the Virginia Beach nightspot rescind a policy of barring hairstyles worn almost exclusively by African-American patrons.

ACLU of Virginia Releases Review of 2006 General Assembly Session (07/25/2006)
RICHMOND, VA — The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today released its annual review of the state legislative session. Civil Liberties Review: 2006 Session of the Virginia General Assembly describes approximately 100 bills introduced in 2006 that had the potential to affect civil liberties in Virginia.

Virginia Judge Allows Signs Critical of Local Officials (06/19/2006)
RICHMOND, VA – The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today announced a victory for free speech after a Chesterfield County Circuit Court judge ruled that a homeowner who posted two large signs in his yard criticizing local government officials did not violate the county’s sign ordinance.

ACLU of Virginia Asks State Corporation Commission and Attorney General to Investigate Sharing of Caller Records with NSA (06/15/2006)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has again called on the State Corporation Commission and Attorney General Robert McDonnell to launch investigations of telecommunications companies in Virginia that may have illegally shared caller information with the National Security Agency. The request follows media reports in May that the NSA has been collecting information on millions of American residents without warrants.

ACLU of Virginia Defends Federal Law Guaranteeing Religious Rights of Prisoners (06/12/2006)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals defending the constitutionality of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).

ACLU of Virginia Challenges Ban on Alcohol-Related Advertising in College Publications (06/08/2006)
RICHMOND, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today filed a federal lawsuit against the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control charging that its restrictions on alcohol-related advertisements in college publications are unconstitutional. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Collegiate Times and The Cavalier Daily, student-run newspapers at Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, respectively.

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 Virginia Seeks Guarantee of Student Free Speech in Prince William Schools (04/24/2006)
RICHMOND, VA– The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today said it has asked the Prince William County Schools to make an unambiguous statement guaranteeing free speech rights for students and to ensure fair treatment for students who wear message-bearing T-shirts. The request comes in the wake of the controversial punishment last month of two Occoquan Elementary School students – ages 5 and 8 -- for wearing T-shirts to school proclaiming “Latinos Forever.”

Westmoreland to Remove Barriers in Public Buildings to People with Disabilities (04/11/2006)
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VA -- In response to a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors yesterday adopted a plan to make county buildings fully accessible for people with disabilities.

ACLU Offers Aid to William and Mary Students Barred from Voting in Local Elections (03/28/2006)
WILLIAMSBURG, VA – The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia announced today that it is offering to assist William and Mary students who have been barred from registering to vote as residents of Williamsburg, where the college is located.

ACLU of Virginia Commends Proposed Policy Providing Equal Treatment for All School Clubs (03/10/2006)
CHESTERFIELD, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today commended the Chesterfield County School Board for a proposed policy that would guarantee equal treatment for all student clubs. Conversely, the civil liberties group also warned county officials against approving an anticipated amendment to the policy that would ban Gay-Straight Alliances and similar student organizations.

ACLU of Virginia Sets Stage for Student Privacy Victory (03/10/2006)
WILLIAMSBURG, VA - In an unexpected turn of events this week, the Williamsburg-James City County School Board voted unanimously to implement a voluntary student drug testing program for students in grades 6-12, beginning with the 2006- 2007 school year. In so doing, the board rejected a proposal to institute a mandatory random drug testing program that was strongly opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and many parents.

ACLU of Virginia Demands Apology and Damages for Student Arrested for Protesting Campus Military Recruiters (02/17/2006)
FAIRFAX, VA -- In a letter sent to George Mason University officials, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today demanded that school officials apologize and pay $50,000 in damages to Tariq Khan, a GMU student who was arrested for protesting the presence of military recruiters on campus.

ACLU of Virginia Defends Fredericksburg’s Decision to Ban Sectarian Prayers at Open City Council Meetings (02/16/2006)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today announced that it intends to file a friend-of-the-court brief in defense of the Fredericksburg City Council’s non-sectarian prayer policy adopted in November of 2005.

ACLU Fights Virginia Law Barring Prisoners from Obtaining Medical Information (01/19/2006)
BIG STONE GAP, VA -- With help from the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and the Rutherford Institute, a prisoner suffering from Hepatitis C today filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to overturn a Virginia statute that prevents him from obtaining a copy of the Department of Corrections policy describing how it is supposed to treat the disease.

Following Threat of ACLU of Virginia Lawsuit, Manassas Suspends Ordinance That Limit Right of Family Members to Live Together (01/05/2006)
RICHMOND, VA --Shortly after the the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia announced plans to mount a legal challenge, the City of Manassas suspended enforcement of the new ordinance that prevents aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-grandparents, or great-grandchildren from living together as a family unit, the ACLU announced today.

ACLU of Virginia Approves Lawsuit Challenging Manassas Ordinance That Limits Right of Family Members to Live Together (01/04/2006)
RICHMOND, VA -- The America Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today announced that it will support a legal challenge to a City of Manassas ordinance that prevents aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-grandparents, or great-grandchildren from living together as family unit.

ACLU of Virginia Asks Hampton University to Accommodate Student Free Speech on Campus (12/01/2005)
HAMPTON, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today sent a letter asking Hampton University officials to refrain from punishing seven students accused of violating school policies by distributing leaflets on campus. The letter recommends that the university revise its rules governing demonstrations and distribution of literature in order to ensure student free speech rights on campus.

Virginia Governor Grants Death Row Inmate Clemency, Commutes Sentence to Life in Prison (11/29/2005)
RICHMOND, VA -- Governor Mark Warner today granted clemency to Robin Lovitt and commuted his sentence to life in prison without the possibility for parole. Lovitt was scheduled to die tomorrow evening by lethal injection, and would have been the 1,000th execution in the United States since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976.

Following ACLU Action, Virginia University Drops Charges Against Student Arrested for Protesting Campus Military Recruiters (11/14/2005)
RICHMOND, VA – The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia announced today that government lawyers in Fairfax County have agreed to drop their case against Tariq Khan, a George Mason University student who was arrested while protesting the presence of military recruiters on campus.

Fredericksburg City Council Agrees to ACLU Request, Adopts Non-Sectarian Prayer Policy (11/14/2005)
FREDERICKSBURG, VA – Following a request by the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, the Fredericksburg City Council voted last night to make the prayers that open its meetings non-sectarian.

ACLU Warns Virginia Election Officials Not to Reject Voters Unnecessarily (11/04/2005)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today sent letters to every voter registrar in Virginia asking for their help in protecting the right to vote on Election Day. The letter addressed reports of voters being rejected at the polls because they were not carrying identification as well as a requirement in some counties that voters remove buttons or clothing containing political messages before being allowed to vote.

Virginia's ACLU and NAACP to Help Voters on Election Day (10/25/2005)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP announced today that they have established hotlines for voters who run into problems on Election Day and are distributing informational cards describing voters' rights at the polls. The two rights groups are also available to help with voter registration problems.

Following ACLU Action, George Mason University Will Not Press for Prosecution of Student Protester (10/20/2005)
FAIRFAX, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia learned today that, following an investigation, George Mason University officials have determined that a student demonstrator who was charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct should not be prosecuted in criminal court. The ACLU is representing the student, junior Tariq Khan, who was arrested Sept. 29 for protesting the presence of military recruiters on campus.

ACLU of Virginia to Argue for Strict Interpretation of FOIA Exemptions (09/14/2005)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia will ask the state Supreme Court tomorrow to uphold a lower court decision allowing public access to informal ethical advice offered to judges by the Virginia Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission (JIRC).

Chesterfield County Will Count Provisional Ballots (09/06/2005)
RICHMOND, VA - Following threat of a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, the three-member Chesterfield County Electoral board has decided that registrar Lawrence C. Haake, III must count the ballots of qualified voters who apply to register at DMV prior to the registration deadline, but whose applications are not processed in a timely manner.

Virginia School's Move to Block Gay Speaker is Discriminatory, Says ACLU (03/10/2005)
MIDLOTHIAN, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today asked Manchester High School in Chesterfield County to allow gay author Greg Herren to speak at the school tomorrow afternoon as originally planned. Herren's invitation to address the members of the school's Gay-Straight Alliance and other students was rescinded last week by Principal Peter Koste, who claimed that ""concerns from the community"" and possible ""inappropriate"" content led him to cancel the talk.

ACLU of Virginia Offers Legal Aid to Methadone Clinics Barred From Opening Under New Law (03/03/2005)
RICHMOND, VA- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia announced today that it will offer legal representation to methadone clinics prevented from opening because of a new state moratorium. The ACLU charges that the new law discriminates against recovering addicts who are denied the services offered by the clinics.

Following ACLU Action, Virginia Senate Committee Kills Bill Requiring Schools to Notify Parents When Students Refuse to Recite Pledge (02/17/2005)
RICHMOND, VA--On a 7-7 vote, the Virginia Senate Education and Health Committee today blocked a bill intended to require schools to notify parents when their children refused to recite or stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The vote followed a warning by the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia that it was prepared to mount a legal challenge if the bill passed.

ACLU Asks Senate Committee to Kill Amendment to Virginia Constitution's Religion Clause (02/14/2005)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia said today that it is asking the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee to vote down a proposed amendment to the state constitution that may give government officials leeway to allow the imposition of religion on public school students. The Senate committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow afternoon to vote on the amendment. The House of Delegates has already given its approval to the measure.

Virginia Senate Panel Kills Controversial Pants Bill That Elicited Worldwide Ridicule (02/10/2005)
RICHMOND, VA--The Virginia Senate has quietly and sheepishly killed a bill that in recent days had become an international joke, the American Civil Liberties of Virginia said today. The bill, which passed the House of Delegates earlier this week on a 60-34 vote, imposed a $50 fine on anyone who ""intentionally wears and displays his below-waist undergarments, intended to cover a person's intimate parts, in a lewd or indecent manner.""

Virginia Supreme Court Strikes Down Fornication Law (01/14/2005)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia applauded a state Supreme Court ruling today that strikes down a law banning sexual relations between unmarried persons.

Virginia School Board Votes to Allow Students to Sit During Pledge of Allegiance (01/11/2005)
RICHMOND, VA--Under pressure from the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia -- and based on recommendations from its own lawyers -- the Spotsylvania County School Board last night voted to remove a policy requiring students to stand during recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Following ACLU of Virginia Action, Chesterfield County Registrar Agrees to Stop Misleading Voters About ID Requirements (11/02/2004)
RICHMOND, VA - Responding to complaints from voters, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today asked the Chesterfield County voter registrar to order poll workers to stop implying that prospective voters must show an ID before being allowed to enter the polling booth.

ACLU of Virginia Welcomes Justice Department Decision to Monitor County for Voting Rights Violations (10/29/2004)
CHESTERFIELD, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today welcomed a decision by the U.S. Department of Justice to monitor polling places in Chesterfield County on Election Day for voting rights violations, including whether any voters are challenged improperly on the basis of their race, color, or membership in a language minority group.

ACLU of Virginia Asks County to Halt Plan for Armed, Uniformed Police at Polling Places (10/21/2004)
CHESTERFIELD, VA--The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today asked the Chesterfield County registrar to cancel a plan to post armed, uniformed police officers at the county's 62 polling places on Election Day. The ACLU said that the police presence is a reminder of when armed government officials were used to prevent minorities from voting and will only intimidate many potential voters, causing them to avoid the polls.

ACLU of Virginia Offers Legal Assistance to People Facing FBI Questioning Under Sweeping Pre-Election Surveillance Initiative (10/18/2004)
RICHMOND, VA--The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia announced today that it will provide lawyers to assist persons selected for questioning under a sweeping FBI initiative to aggressively target Muslims and Arabs and surveil Mosque activities leading up to the November 2 election.

ACLU Urges Virginia Legislators Not To Put Radio Computer Chip in Driver's Licenses (10/06/2004)
NEW YORK-The American Civil Liberties Union today urged Virginia not to become the first state in the nation to place radio frequency identification (RFID) chips in its driver's licenses.

ACLU of Virginia Says City of Salem Must Allow Bookstore Owner to Restore Political Sign (07/07/2004)
RICHMOND, VA -- In a letter faxed today to Salem's chief zoning official, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia demanded that a bookstore owner be allowed to display a sign criticizing the mayor and city manager for their role in road construction that has diverted customers away from his business.

Under Pressure from ACLU of Virginia, City Allows Bookstore Owner to Post Sign Critical of Public Officials (07/07/2004)
RICHMOND, VA -- After receiving a strongly worded letter earlier today from the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, the City of Salem immediately announced that it would allow bookseller Charles Givens to replace a political sign posted at his place of business, the ACLU said.

ACLU Plans Challenge to Discriminatory Virginia Law Banning Contracts Between Same-Sex Couples (06/30/2004)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today announced that it is planning a court challenge to a new Virginia law that prohibits persons of the same sex from entering into a ""civil union, partnership contract or other arrangement"" that bestows ""the privileges or obligations of marriage."" The law, passed by strong majorities in the House of Delegates and Senate, takes effect on July 1.

ACLU Asks Virginia Supreme Court to Allow College Student to Vote in Local Elections (06/24/2004)
WILLIAMSBURG, VA--The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia asked the Virginia Supreme Court on Tuesday to allow Serene Alami, a student at the College of William and Mary, to register to vote in the city of Williamsburg, where she currently resides.

Following Threat of ACLU of Virginia Lawsuit, Officials to Agree Not to Ban Baptisms in Public Parks (06/03/2004)
RICHMOND, VA - Under pressure from the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, Falmouth Waterside Park Manager Brian Robinson has agreed not to prohibit baptisms in Stafford County, the ACLU announced today.

ACLU of Virginia Warns Park Officials Not to Discriminate Against Religious Groups (05/27/2004)
RICHMOND, VA -- Based on news accounts that a riverfront park in Stafford County has banned baptisms and may be limiting other religious activities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia said today that is has sent a letter to park officials seeking written assurances that religious expression will not be curtailed in the future.

Supreme Court Lets Ban on Coerced Prayer at Virginia Military Institute Stand (04/26/2004)
WASHINGTON -- The U. S. Supreme Court today turned down a request by the Virginia Attorney General to review a federal appeals court decision banning mandatory mealtime prayers at the Virginia Military Institute. By refusing to hear the case, the High Court leaves in place a ruling that such prayers violate the separation of church and state.

ACLU of Virginia Asks Charlottesville Police to Halt DNA Collection from African-American Males (04/12/2004)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today sent a letter to Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy J. Longo, Jr. asking him to halt the detention of African American men ""practically at random"" in order to collect saliva samples for DNA testing as part of a police investigation.

Richmond City Council Passes Safe and Free Resolution (03/09/2004)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today applauded the City of Richmond for adopting a resolution asking Congress to repeal parts of the USA Patriot Act that infringe on personal rights, liberties and due process. The ""Safe and Free Resolution,"" which passed city council on a 6-1 vote, makes Virginia's capital the third city in the state and the 262nd governing body in the nation to take aim at the increasingly unpopular law passed by Congress only a few weeks after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Judge Orders Registrar to Allow Virginia Student to Register to Vote and Run for City Council (03/05/2004)
WILLIAMSBURG, VA --A state circuit court judge today ordered the city registrar here to allow Luther Lowe, a student at the College of William and Mary, to register to vote in local elections and to run as a candidate for city council. The judge's decision overturns the registrar's denial of Lowe's application to vote and allows his name to appear on the May ballots for city council, even though the filing deadline for candidates was March 2.

ACLU of Virginia Asks Judge to Rule that State Law Criminalizing Adultery is Unconstitutional (02/25/2004)
LURAY, VA.-- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today said that it will represent attorney John Bushey, Jr., in appealing a state law criminalizing adultery as a misdemeanor. Bushey earlier pled guilty to violating Virginia's adultery statute, but reserved his right to challenge the law on the grounds that criminalizing adultery violates the constitutional right to privacy.

Federal Court Says that Virginia County's Prayer Policy Violates Religious Freedom Rules (11/13/2003)
RICHMOND, VA -- A federal magistrate here has ruled that the process by which the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors selects religious leaders to pray at the beginning of its meetings violates separation of church and state.

ACLU of Virginia Seeks Information on Virginia Beach's Facial Recognition Technology System (09/02/2003)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today sent a Freedom of Information Act request to the City of Virginia Beach seeking detailed information on the use of facial recognition technology at the oceanfront resort.

First Town in Virginia Passes Pro-Civil Liberties Measure; 142 Communities in 27 States Have Now Spoken Out Against PATRIOT Act (07/22/2003)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union today hailed the passage of a city council resolution here that attempts to protect civil liberties in this Virginia town by blocking some implementation of the controversial USA PATRIOT Act.

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds VA Cross-Burning Ban But Sends Law Back to State Court for Refinement (04/07/2003)
RICHMOND, VA - The United States Supreme Court today ruled that KKK member Barry Black could not be convicted of a crime under Virginia's cross-burning statute because of the law's unconstitutional presumption that all cross-burning is intended to intimidate. However, the court upheld the other main provision of the law, which allows the banning of cross-burning when it can be shown that its purpose it to intimidate others.

ACLU Files Brief on Behalf of American-Born Taliban Indefinitely Incarcerated without Counsel or Access to Courts (10/25/2002)
RICHMOND, VA -- The national American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Virginia today filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of Yaser Hamdi, an American citizen who was captured in Afghanistan last November and who has been held incommunicado in a military brig in Norfolk for the last six months. Labeled an "enemy combatant" by the Department of Justice, he is being indefinitely jailed in isolation and without any access to counsel.

Virginia ACLU Calls for Return of Items, Unsealing of Affidavits Used for Raids on Muslim Establishments (05/03/2002)
ALEXANDRIA, VA--The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has filed a friend-of-the-court brief in a case being argued today on behalf of three Muslim establishments and ten Muslim families in Northern Virginia whose possessions were taken during raids by government agents in March. 

In Win for Rev. Falwell (and the ACLU), Judge Rules VA Must Allow Churches to Incorporate (04/17/2002)
RICHMOND, VA--A federal judge has struck down a provision of the Virginia Constitution that bans religious organizations from incorporating, in a challenge filed by the Rev. Jerry Falwell and joined by the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, the group announced today. 

School-Sponsored Prayers at VA Military Institute Wrongly Entangle Government and Religion, Court Declares (01/24/2002)
LYNCHBURG, VA--A federal court judge in Lynchburg ruled today that school-sponsored prayers at the Virginia Military Institute are unconstitutional because they allow government to ""become impermissibly entangled with religion.""

Virginia Military Institute Pregnancy Policy Discriminates Against Women, ACLU Warns (12/07/2001)
RICHMOND, VA--In a letter sent today to the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia advised against adoption of a policy requiring pregnant women, or men who cause a pregnancy, to leave the school.

Bowing to ACLU Lawsuit, CT Officials Will Move Prisoners Out of Notorious Virginia "Supermax" (07/24/2001)
HARTFORD, CT--In a victory for prisoners' rights, state officials said today they will move inmates under their care out of a notorious "Supermax" prison in rural Virginia where two Connecticut prisoners have died in the last 18 months. 

Buyers of Medicine to Be Fingerprinted (07/11/2001)
PULASKI, VA -- Patients in the small, southwest Virginia town of Pulaski will have to provide fingerprints at the area's six pharmacies to get OxyContin, as part of a novel law enforcement effort to curb widespread abuse of the prescription painkiller, The Washington Post reported. 

ACLU Warns VMI that New Pregnancy Policy Could Violate Law (07/03/2001)
RICHMOND, VA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and the ACLU's Women's Right's Project today sent a letter to the Virginia Military Institute's Board of Visitors asking the school to rethink a proposed policy that makes pregnancy grounds for dismissal from the academy. The letter also warns VMI that implementation of a such a policy may result in legal action and/ or withdrawal of federal funds. 

ACLU Files Lawsuit to Stop Coerced Prayers at Virginia Military Institute (05/09/2001)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today filed a lawsuit challenging Virginia Military Institute's requirement that students be present for a prayer ceremony prior to each evening meal. 

ACLU asks Virginia Military Institute to Stop School-Sponsored Prayers (04/03/2001)
RICHMOND, VA - After receiving several complaints from cadets at Virginia Military Institute, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has asked the school to cease its practice of having a student chaplain lead the cadets in prayer prior to each evening meal. 

Virginia School to Use Cameras To Keep Eye on Students (08/06/2000)
FAIRFAX, VA -- High school and middle school students in Virginia's Fauquier County will be watched by electronic eyes this year after the installation of almost $60,000 worth of cameras over the spring and summer, The Washington Post reported

ACLU of Virginia and Others File Suit Challenging State's Refusal to Use Adjusted Census Data (06/30/2000)
WASHINGTON -- Virginia's refusal to use statistically adjusted census data to draw new election district borders results in discrimination against black voters, according to a federal lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF), and the Community Service Society (CSS) of New York.

ACLU Challenges Virginia's 'Minute of Silence' Law (06/22/2000)
"Every Virginia legislator knows the purpose of this law," said ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Kent Willis. "It is an attempt to put state-sanctioned prayer back in our public schools, and that is both shameful and unconstitutional." 

Virginia Supreme Court to Hear Arguments in Regent University Bond Case Tomorrow (06/05/2000)
RICHMOND, VA -- The Virginia Supreme Court will hear arguments tomorrow in a case challenging Regent University's right to receive government support.

ACLU Challenges Virginia's "Crimes Against Nature" Sodomy Law (05/31/2000)
RICHMOND, VA--Taking a stand for constitutionally-protected privacy rights, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and the National ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights Project today asked the Virginia Supreme Court to overturn the state's "crimes against nature" law.

Report Denounces Death Penalty in Virginia as Capricious, Unbalanced and Racially Biased (04/07/2000)
RICHMOND -- A coalition of civil rights, legal, and religious organizations joined the ACLU of Virginia today to issue a report faulting every significant aspect of the death penalty in the Commonwealth.

Virginia Senate OKs Schools' Moment of Silence (02/01/2000)
RICHMOND, VA --The Virginia Senate has voted 28 to 11 to approve a measure requiring the state's public schools to observe a minute of silence for meditation, prayer, or reflection at the beginning of every school day, the Washington Post reported. The bill will now go to the House, where supporters and opponents say it is likely to pass.

ACLU Defends Teacher's Right to Post Banned Book List in Virginia (01/12/2000)
The complaint, filed earlier today in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg, claims that Spotswood High School Principal C. James Slye violated the First Amendment rights of English teacher Jeffrey Newton and the students of the school when on September 29, 1999 he summarily ordered the removal of the lists. 

Former U.S. Employee Sues Over Loyalty Oath (12/22/1999)
WASHINGTON--A woman who lost her job for refusing to sign a loyalty oath has filed suit in federal court, the Washington Post reported on December 22nd. The woman claims that the oath violates her First Amendment rights to freedom of religion and free speech and is therefore unconstitutional. The oath is required of almost all of the 1.8 million permanent federal employees.

Richmond Police Chief Calls Addressing DWB an "Opportunity" (12/16/1999)
RICHMOND, VA - According to a story in this week's Richmond Free Press, Richmond's Police Chief Jerry Oliver says that he is taking the national controversy over racial profiling and doing positive things with it.

Judges Have a Right to Vote in Primaries, ACLU Tells Virginia Ethics Committee (12/15/1999)
RICHMOND, VA -- In a letter sent today to members of the state judicial ethics committee, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia is urging them reconsider their recent ruling that state judges may not vote in primary elections.

ACLU Prepares to Defend High School Teacher's Right to Post List of Banned Books (12/01/1999)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia said that it is prepared to go to court to defend the free speech rights of a local high school teacher who was forced to remove two American Library Association lists of banned books he had posted on his classroom door.

ACLU of VA Prevails in Challenge to County's Residency Restrictions on Use of Public Forum (10/13/1999)
RICHMOND, VA -- The full Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals today reversed an earlier decision by a three-judge panel of the same court when it struck down the residency requirements for use of a public forum in Fairfax County.

Virginia Investigates Guard-Inmate Sex (10/12/1999)
RICHMOND, VA -- State officials have ordered an investigation into complaints of widespread sexual abuse by guards at Virginia's largest women's prison, the Associated Press reported today.

ACLU Asks Virginia School Boards Not to Open Meetings with Prayer (10/01/1999)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today sent a letter to Virginia's public school boards asking them to refrain from their meetings with prayer in light of a recent court decision declaring the practice unconstitutional.

ACLU of VA Defends Right of Former Radio Station Owner to Speak Out Against FCC (09/24/1999)
RICHMOND, VA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has agreed to represent a former radio station owner who faces contempt charges for challenging the Federal Communications Commission and speaking out against the transfer of the station's license to a new owner.

ACLU of VA Urges School Officials to Drop Plans For "Moment of Silence" and Posting of Prayer (08/26/1999)
RICHMOND, VA -- In a letter sent to county officials today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia warned that a proposal to institute a "silent prayer" session and post the Lord's Prayer at county schools would violate the First Amendment's mandate of separation of church and state.

Judge Says Regent University is Pervasively Religious, Cannot Receive State Support for Bonds (07/30/1999)
RICHMOND, VA -- A Richmond Circuit Court judge ruled this afternoon that the Virginia College Building Authority may not issue low-interest bonds for construction projects at Regent University.

Wiccan Priestess Granted License to Preside Over Wedding Ceremonies (07/02/1999)
RICHMOND, VA -- A Virginia judge who last month rejected a Wiccan's application to perform marriage ceremonies today reversed himself under pressure from the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia.

ACLU of Virginia Seeks Dismissal of Judge's Libel Lawsuit Against Anonymous Internet Author (04/09/1999)
Although both the judge and the "John Doe" defendant live in Pennsylvania, the case was filed in Loudon County, Virginia because the website is posted through America Online, Inc., whose corporate headquarters are in Virginia. While AOL is not a party to the suit, the judge's lawyer has asked the court to issue a subpoena to AOL to surrender the name of the person who operates the website.