Racial Justice

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Racial Justice is one of ACLU of Colorado's strategic imperatives. Before committing to any campaign or project, ACLU of Colorado will ask how the work will further this strategic imperative.

Deep-seated systemic racism and inequities that disadvantaged communities of color are still woven into the fabric of our institutions today — from education and housing to our criminal legal system. Systemic racism permeates the starkly segregated world of housing. In our public schools, students of color are too often confined to racially isolated, underfunded, and inferior programs. Our criminal legal system disproportionately targets and subjects people of color to police brutality, incarcerates and imposes numerous collateral consequences, and criminalizes poverty. The dream of equal justice remains an elusive one.

ACLU of Colorado works to preserve and extend constitutionally guaranteed rights to people who have historically been denied them on the basis of race.

The ACLU of Colorado seeks to educate and organize Coloradans on the racial injustices that stand in the way of a fair and equal society, that result in mass incarceration and over-criminalization of communities of color by:

  • Centering the voices of impacted communities
  • Building trust in the ACLU of Colorado with youth and in impacted communities to create leaders
  • Continuing to build our base of supporters and members
  • Activating current members and supporters to identify with and champion our policy and legal priorities

We are committed to upholding racial equity and combating racism in all forms through litigation, community organizing and training, legislative initiatives, and public education to address the broad spectrum of issues that disproportionately and negatively impact people of color.

The Latest

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Press Release
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ACLU Legal Director Mark Silverstein Announces Forthcoming Retirement After 31 Years

After 26 years fighting to expand and protect Coloradans' civil rights and civil liberties, Mark Silverstein, the Legal Director of the ACLU of Colorado, has announced his upcoming retirement.
Press Release
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Colorado Springs Settles Racial Profiling Lawsuit Brought by ACLU

The City of Colorado Springs has agreed to pay $65,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Colorado alleging that three Colorado Springs police officers engaged in racially biased policing when they targeted Corey Barnes
Press Release
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ACLU Statement on Derek Chauvin Guilty Verdict

MINNEAPOLIS — A jury has found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges in the murder of George Floyd. 
Court Case
Jun 12, 2025

Ruby Johnson v. Gary Staab and Gregory Buschy of the Denver Police Department

We sued two Denver Police Officers for searching our client's home based on an illegal search warrant lacking probable cause.
Court Case
Nov 06, 2023

People v. Johnson and People v. Austin (Amicus)

Court Case
May 15, 2020

Barnes v. City of Colorado Springs

Court Case
Nov 13, 2017

Crews v. Gerdjikian (Aurora police excessive force)