Press Releases

The ACLU of Mississippi can accommodate journalist inquiries into local and national issues affecting civil rights in Mississippi. To speak with an ACLU expert, please email comms@aclu-ms.org or call (601) 354-3408.

Supreme Court Issues Devastating Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JACKSON, Miss. — The Supreme Court issued a shameful ruling today overturning Roe v. Wade — the landmark decision recognizing the constitutional right to abortion nearly 50 years ago. 
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom

Mississippi Parents Sue to Stop $10 Million in Public Funds From Going to Private Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jackson, MS — Today, Parents for Public Schools, Inc. (PPS), represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Mississippi, Mississippi Center for Justice, and Democracy Forward, filed a lawsuit to stop Mississippi state officials from using public money to fund...

ACLU-MS Comments on Jackson Youth Gun Crimes Ordinance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Jackson City Council Public Safety/Park and Environment Committee has proposed an ordinance which would punish and fine parents or guardians of minors who have committed crimes with or been found in possession of a handgun.

ACLU-MS Statement on Reporting of Leaked SCOTUS Opinion Overturning Roe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JACKSON, Miss. - The following statement was issued by ACLU of Mississippi Executive Director Jarvis Dortch in response to the reporting of a leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court of the United States on Dobbs v. JWHO:
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom

ACLU-MS Statement on Madison County Book Restrictions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MADISON, Miss. - This month, Madison County school officials placed over 20 books in restricted circulation, after a group of parents complained about the content. Now, students must have parental permission to check out one of the restricted books in the district’s...

Voting Rights Groups Challenge Mississippi High Court Districts That Dilute Black Vote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GREENVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi civic leaders today challenged state Supreme Court district lines that have gone unchanged for more than 35 years because those lines dilute the voting strength of Black residents in state Supreme Court elections, in violation of the VRA...
Issue Areas: Voting Rights

ACLU-MS Statement on Proposed Legislative District Maps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JACKSON, Miss. - On Sunday afternoon, the Mississippi Joint Legislative Redistricting Committee met for the first time in months and released new state House and Senate district maps. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Mississippi issued the following statement:
Issue Areas: Voting Rights

ACLU-MS Launches Mini-grants to Build State-level Advocacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JACKSON, Miss - The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Mississippi is excited to announce the launch of Advocates in the Making (A.I.M.), a mini-grant program focused on building state-level advocacy. A.I.M. provides internship opportunities for college students by...

ACLU-MS Statement on Legislators Advancing SB 2113

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JACKSON, Miss - On Monday, the Mississippi House Universities and Colleges Committee passed Senate Bill 2113. The American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi released the following statement:
Issue Areas: Freedom of Speech