Student and Youth Rights

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Constitutional protections are not reserved solely for those over 18. Students and youth have civil liberties that must be respected.

The ACLU of Colorado has defended the rights of students across the state. Our cases and advocacy efforts have covered a range of issues, including the confiscation and search of students’ cell phones by school administrators, students’ political speech both on- and off-campus, and the recognition of a Gay/Straight Alliance club. We’ve also defended student journalists threatened by school administrators, a student who wished to wear a “NObama” shirt at a political rally, and fought against censorship of a controversial college course at CU Boulder.

The Latest


Press Release
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Civil Rights Groups File Lawsuit Against the HHS for Withholding Information About Child Care Funding Restrictions

Lawsuit Seeks Correspondence Between Influencer Nick Shirley Whose Content Sparked the Administration's Attacks
Press Release
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ACLU Supports Challenge to Colorado Social Media Warning Label Law

The 2024 law would require websites to display the state’s view that speech online is harmful
Press Release
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Colorado Confines Hundreds of Children in Dangerous Detention Facilities Instead of Providing Legally Required Community Services, Lawsuit Alleges

Harms disproportionately affect youth with disabilities and those in the foster system
Press Release
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ACLU of Colorado Statement on Elizabeth School District’s Abandonment of its Appeal in Book Ban Lawsuit

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Court Case
Jul 27, 2026

Isaac N., et al. v. Polis, et al.

The ACLU of Colorado filed a class action lawsuit seeking a declaration that state of Colorado officials are illegally confining hundreds of children in dangerous detention facilities instead of providing them with community services.
Court Case
Dec 4, 2025

Pledge of Allegiance Protest

The ACLU of Colorado sent a letter to the Superintendent of Littleton Public Schools after being notified that a student was discouraged from sitting in protest during the Pledge of Allegiance.
Court Case
Jan 23, 2026

Crookshanks, et al. v. Elizabeth School District

The ACLU of Colorado sued the Elizabeth School District because it banned and removed at least 19 books from school libraries based on the school board’s disagreement with the ideas they contain. The plaintiffs include students who have a right to access those books.
Court Case
Jul 21, 2026

Caden Kent v. Children's Hospital Colorado

We are suing the Children's Hospital of Colorado for a policy that discontinues medically necessary, gender-affirming care to patients over 18 while continuing to provide the same care to cisgender patients.