News & Commentary

 ACLU of Missouri and MacArthur Justice Center file lawsuit to protect free speech and right to travel

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The ACLU and ACLU of Missouri filed a federal lawsuit today challenging the Jackson County Circuit Court's administrative order that says it implements the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s nationwide eviction moratorium but instead permits eviction cases to move forward in violation of it, putting hundreds of Missouri tenants at risk for eviction in violation of federal protections. The Jackson County Circuit Court’s order directly conflicts with the CDC’s nationwide eviction moratorium by allowing landlords to file and pursue evictions — regardless of whether the tenant sought relief under the federal moratorium — and by violating tenants’ due process rights. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of KC Tenants, a local grassroots organization that seeks to advance fair housing access to renters. 

In the midst of a global pandemic when more people than ever are casting a ballot outside of their Election Day polling place, Missouri has constructed barriers to the ability of people to request and cast an absentee or mail ballot, and then have that ballot counted.

We filed suit this morning against the City of Florissant challenging three unconstitutional ordinances that give officers unfettered power and are arbitrarily applied to violate protesters’ First and Fourteenth Amendment rights while protesting for police accountability.

As of August, 27, 101 inmates and 46 staff have tested positive for the coronavirus in the Greene County Jail.  Reports affirm that Greene County jail did not provide PPE until after positive cases were confirmed and not enough PPE to replace when no longer useable.

It is possible to make sure that Black people, men, women, and children are not punished because of their natural hair. We can work together and pass the CROWN Act. It’s possible to envision a world that accepts us for us, that moves beyond the letter of the law to true inclusion. 

The ACLU of Missouri was made aware of threatening social media posts on the Maries County Sheriff’s Official Government Facebook page, implying that the Sheriff would organize armed citizens to confront protestors.

Missouri Department of Corrections Required to Provide Lifesaving Hepatitis C Treatment to Thousands Behind Bars

The Trans Justice Program at the ACLU of Missouri is pleased to announce an incredibly special statewide research project and the very first of the newly coined MO Ho Justice Coalition.