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riaclu.bsky.social
ACLU of Rhode Island
@riaclu.bsky.social
4.5K followers 110 following 310 posts
Defending fundamental rights and freedoms in the Ocean State since 1959. riaclu.org
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riaclu.bsky.social
Gov’t transparency perspective on H7403, which we OPPOSE: Public officials’ accountability to the people that they serve is enhanced when they meet in-person.

rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/29/s...
Should public board members be allowed to Zoom in to vote? East Providence lawmaker says yes. • Rhode Island Current
Legislation introduced by House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian would let members of public boards and commissions participate and vote remotely, bringing back and making permanent pandemic-era meeti...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 31, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Reposted by ACLU of Rhode Island
riaclu.bsky.social
Rhode Islanders, this is a reminder to understand your right to protest!

https://www.riaclu.org/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-protests-demonstrations/
Graphic with black background and yellow and white text. "KNOW YOUR PROTEST RIGHTS" and a numbered list of 6 protest rights: You don't need a permit to protest as long as traffic and building access are not obstructed. You have the right to photograph anything in plain view while lawfully in public. If your rights are violated, document everything. If stopped by police, ask if you are free to go. If yes, calmly walk away. If arrested, invoke your right to remain silent and request a lawyer.
January 10, 2026 at 11:10 AM
riaclu.bsky.social
If you’re a student, or know a student, who is planning to walk out, send them this information about their protest rights!
Blue background. Neon yellow text says "Students protest rights" at the top. White text says: CAN I BE DISCIPLINED FOR PARTICIPATING IN A WALKOUT? Because the law requires you to attend school, the administration can take corrective action against you for missing class, even if you do it to participate in a political protest. Two important limitations on what school officials can do: A RI state law bars schools from issuing out-of-school suspensions because you are truant or late to class. The same limitation should apply to walkouts. The school cannot punish you more harshly for missing school to participate inpolitical protest than for missingschool for any other purpose." Blue background. Neon yellow text says "Students protest rights" at the top. White text says: EXAMPLE: If detention is the typical punishment for unexcused absences, that would be an appropriate penalty if you leave school to attend a protest. But the school could not give you a lengthier detention because you were involved in a walkout as opposed to just skipping class. You also should be given the same right to make up work as any other student who has an unexcused absence. Blue background. Neon yellow text says "Students protest rights" at the top. White text says: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SCHOOL OFFICIALS THREATEN TO BLOCK SCHOOL EXITS TO PREVENT A WALKOUT? Blocking or locking exits to the school can pose serious health and safety concerns for students and staff. If the school administration threatens to lock the doors to prevent a walkout, immediately notify your parents and the district superintendent’s office. Blue background. Neon yellow text says "Students protest rights" at the top. White text says: PROTESTS & DEMONSTRATIONS Because of the possibility that in-school protests can be disruptive, the courts have restricted student demonstrations on school property — particularly if they occur during school hours or in a school building. As a result, schools may have reasonable rules regulating the time, place and manner of group demonstrations. Outside of school, students have the right to assemble and express themselves in groups — via marches, protests or other forms of peaceful demonstration. Keep in mind that if you encourage students to miss class, block a hallway, or make a lot of noise while others are studying, it will likely be considered a disruption. But you should be able to organize a peaceful, orderly protest at lunch, or before or after school.
January 30, 2026 at 12:05 AM
riaclu.bsky.social
“Outrageous, absurd, and dangerous”

is how our executive director described the Pawtucket city solicitor’s refusal to share records about the Pawtucket Police Dept’s seemingly false arrest of a Central Falls man just because he was not charged with a crime.

Transparency in policing is imperative.
Pawtucket police went to another city and arrested the wrong man. They won’t say why. - The Boston Globe
Pawtucket police also refused to release their report, say whether they had a warrant, or explain why the Central Falls police weren’t notified in advance. The incident raises questions about oversigh...
www.bostonglobe.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:41 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
Privacy in Bristol: Yesterday, the Town Council voted 3-2 to approve the RI State Police's request to install one Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) in the town.

We will continue to push for laws that safeguard our privacy rights as this surveillance technology continues to spread.
January 29, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Reposted by ACLU of Rhode Island
amandamilkovits.bsky.social
Pawtucket refused to release the police report on the wrongful arrest, saying the record isn't public because there were no charges.
The @riaclu.bsky.social says that argument is “outrageous, absurd, and dangerous.”
January 29, 2026 at 4:30 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
Win for privacy! Yesterday, the Portsmouth Town Council voted 7-0 to REJECT the RI State Police’s request to install a Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) in the town.
Portsmouth is the second town to recently refuse to install this invasive technology w/out legal safeguards in place.
January 28, 2026 at 3:22 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
We support H7236! This bill creates a pilot program to prepare Equity Impact Statements on designated legislation.

The statements will analyze the potential discriminatory impact of bills on vulnerable populations so legislators can make more informed decisions.

@epi-ri.bsky.social
A white graphic with a yellow strip at the top, and ACLU of RI and Equity Impact Campaign at the bottom. Text says, top to bottom: "2026 Rhode Island Legislative Session We SUPPORT H 7236. This bill creates a 2-year pilot program to prepare Equity Impact Statements on designated legislation. Equity Impact Statements will analyze the potential discriminatory impact of bills on vulnerable populations so legislators can make more informed decisions. More details: The bill would allow the Speaker of the House (5), the Senate President (5), and the RIBLIA Caucus (5 statements in each chamber) to request up to 20 Equity Impact Statements within a given session. The bill would designate the Commission on Health Advocacy & Equity as the main drafting body and will come at no cost to the state."
January 27, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Reposted by ACLU of Rhode Island
aclu.org
We the people have the power. Join us tomorrow, January 26, for a virtual training on how to exercise your right to document ICE abuses in your community.

RSVP using the link below. When using that link, Indivisible will know you came from us; their privacy policy applies.
Eyes on ICE: Document and Record · No Kings
On Saturday, federal agents horrifically shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who cared for veterans, in the Eat Street neighborhood of south Minneapolis after brutally beating him in...
www.mobilize.us
January 25, 2026 at 7:41 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
PSA: State courts and municipal courts must provide an interpreter to all people with limited English proficiency.

If you know someone who may need a court interpreter, send them our Know Your Rights material ⬇️ (Español, Português, Kabuverdianu, Kreyòl Ayisyen)
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Get a Court Interpreter - ACLU of Rhode Island
The Rhode Island courts provide free interpretation for court proceedings as required by federal and state law. This applies to municipal courts as well.
www.riaclu.org
January 22, 2026 at 3:05 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
We applaud Mayor Smiley for making it clear that federal immigration agents cannot use city property unless they are executing a lawful judicial warrant.

Every action that supports our immigrant neighbors is important.

rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/20/s...
Smiley establishes ICE-free zones in Providence • Rhode Island Current
City property — including parking lots, public schools, parks and municipal buildings — is off limits to federal immigration officers conducting enforcement operations, under an executive order signed...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:33 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
You can take action and make change at the RI State House! We’ll teach you how.

Save the date for our free Legislative Advocacy Trainings on February 21 and March 7.

Please note: registration is required! More details at www.riaclu.org/events.
Image with four photos of a woman with brown hair presenting, the RI State House against a blue sky, the backs of attendees at a presentation, and a microphone. A white parallelogram with text about the event in in the middle of the graphic.
January 20, 2026 at 4:20 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
Have you seen the “automated license plate reader” cameras (aka ALPRs) being installed across RI? Spoiler: They can do more than just read license plates, and they're basically unregulated.

Register for our webinar on Monday, Feb. 9, at 6pm to learn more about privacy + this technology ⬇️

WEBINAR More than Just License Plates: Surveillance in RI - ACLU of Rhode Island
Have you seen the “automated license plate reader” cameras (aka ALPRs) being installed across the state? Spoiler alert: They can do more than just read license plates, and there are essentially no laws regulating their use.
www.riaclu.org
January 18, 2026 at 7:55 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
Did you opt into the class-action lawsuit after the RIPTA data breach? Attorneys for the lawsuit have informed us that settlement payments are starting to be distributed to approved members of the class.
https://www.riaclu.org/update-for-members-of-the-class-in-morelli-v-ripta/
Update for Members of the Class Action: Morelli v. RIPTA - ACLU of Rhode Island
Attorneys for the lawsuit have informed us that settlement payments are starting to be distributed to approved members of the class. 
www.riaclu.org
January 17, 2026 at 1:15 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
Yesterday, ICE agents allegedly ran into the Garrahy courthouse with firearms and circumvented security.

This is yet another example of how ICE continues to terrorize Rhode Islanders who are simply, legally, going to court.
www.providencejournal.com/story/news/c...
'I was afraid I was going to get shot': ICE pursuit into RI courthouse causes chaos.
Witnesses say the agents ran past courthouse security and through the first floor of the building.
www.providencejournal.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:31 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
Remember when we intervened after the U.S. Dept. of Justice demanded Rhode Island's entire non-public voter file?

We just filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which could close the case if granted. Either way, we’re prepared to fight it in court to protect Rhode Islanders' sensitive voter info!
January 13, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Reposted by ACLU of Rhode Island
aclu.org
If you're taking to the streets to protest, know your rights.
"KNOW YOUR PROTEST RIGHTS: You don't need a permit to protest in response to breaking news and you don't need a permit to march in the streets or along sidewalks, as long as you're not obstructing traffic or access to buildings. You have the right to photograph or film anything in plain view, including federal buildings and law enforcement, so long as you are not trespassing or violating a lawful order. You should not interfere with the actions of the government officials you are recording. If you believe your rights have been violated, when you can, write down everything you remember, get contact information for witnesses, and take photographs of any injuries. If you get stopped by the police, ask if you're free to go. If they say yes, calmly walk away. If you get arrested, you have a right to ask why. Otherwise, say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't sign, say or agree to anything without a lawyer present. If you get stopped by a member of the military or any law enforcement officer at a protest, you have the right to remain silent or to tell them that you'll only answer questions in the presence of an attorney-no matter your citizenship or immigration status." "If you interact with ICE in public: Ask if you are free to leave. If so, you may calmly walk away. You have the right to refuse consent to a search. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to discuss your immigration status with anyone, such as about where you were born, whether you are a citizen, or how you entered the country. If you have valid immigration documents, you should show them. Never provide fake documents. If you are arrested, say that you wish to remain silent until speaking with a lawyer. You have the right to record your interaction with immigration agents as long as you do not interfere."
January 10, 2026 at 5:57 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
Rhode Islanders, this is a reminder to understand your right to protest!

https://www.riaclu.org/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-protests-demonstrations/
Graphic with black background and yellow and white text. "KNOW YOUR PROTEST RIGHTS" and a numbered list of 6 protest rights: You don't need a permit to protest as long as traffic and building access are not obstructed. You have the right to photograph anything in plain view while lawfully in public. If your rights are violated, document everything. If stopped by police, ask if you are free to go. If yes, calmly walk away. If arrested, invoke your right to remain silent and request a lawyer.
January 10, 2026 at 11:10 AM
riaclu.bsky.social
Yesterday, the Barrington School Committee debated adding a School Resource Officer (SRO) to the middle school.

Despite opposition from students & community members, the committee suggested they would approve putting an SRO in the middle + elementary schools at their next meeting on Thurs., Feb. 5.
January 9, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Reposted by ACLU of Rhode Island
aclu.org
ICE's killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis mother, is horrific and never should've happened.

Tell Congress to stop these reckless raids and oppose any increases to ICE's budget.
Stop ICE's Attack On Our Communities
An ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. This news is devastating. ICE must immediately withdraw its 2,000 agents from Minnesota and Congress must block any new funding to immigration enforcement.
action.aclu.org
January 8, 2026 at 9:40 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
Lawsuits Against Public Participation” (SLAPP) suits are intended to chill free speech, undermining First Amendment rights.

That's why we’re defending tenants and tenant organizers against a SLAPP suit by landlord Jeffrey Butler. Read more ⬇️
ACLU of Rhode Island Challenges Landlord’s SLAPP Suit Against Tenant Organizers - ACLU of Rhode Island
ACLU of RI files counterclaim alleging that landlord's lawsuit is a classic SLAPP suit aimed at chilling tenants’ freedom of speech.
www.riaclu.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:45 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
Win for free speech!

The public will be guaranteed access to the State House rotunda for a rally the day of the Governor’s upcoming “State of the State” address. Groups were denied access last year.

Our lawsuit will continue to ensure the State House is ALWAYS accessible as a place of free speech.
State Agrees to Allow Access to State House Rotunda by Protesters Before the 2026 “State of the State” Address - ACLU of Rhode Island
State officials have agreed to keep most of the first floor and rotunda at the State House open for use by the public immediately prior to, and during, Governor McKee’s upcoming annual “State of the S...
www.riaclu.org
January 6, 2026 at 2:55 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
This is your last chance in 2025 to make a tax-deductible donation to help protect civil liberties right here in RI.

Your donation of any amount enables us to monitor our state, and act when your rights are under threat.

Make a donation now: https://riaclu.networkforgood.com/
December 30, 2025 at 12:20 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
This is a big thread of some of our work this year. Buckle up for just 12 of the actions we took in this turbulent year for civil liberties… 🧵
December 29, 2025 at 2:43 PM
riaclu.bsky.social
Do you know what protections there are in RI against the Trump administration’s attacks on our rights this past year?

We’ve been updating our website with information about new lawsuits and legislation (both good and bad) as we’ve defended our democracy at the local and state level in 2025.
Firewall for Freedom: Protecting Rhode Island - ACLU of Rhode Island
The work to protect our rights and liberties is a marathon, not a sprint.
www.riaclu.org
December 27, 2025 at 6:05 PM