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The ACLU of Virginia is the leading champion of civil liberties in the Commonwealth. We want to keep you informed about the work we do in the legislature, in the courts, and in the community. We'll also give you our take on issues affecting people in neighborhoods throughout the state.
In early January, Gov. Ralph Northam introduced his agenda, which included “marijuana decriminalization,” giving the illusion that Virginia is moving toward actual criminal legal reforms. Unfortunately, HB 972 would cause more harm to Black and brown people and criminalize youth,
The only way to stop the harm of marijuana laws against people of color is to repeal the prohibition on marijuana possession and use from the code completely.This is the first step in the right direction to eliminating racist drug enforcement.
By Paul Smith, vice president of Campaign Legal Center, and Claire Gastañaga, executive director of the ACLU of Virginia.
By Valerie Slater, executive director, RISE for Youth
My cause is important, my past is important, how I felt about being sexually harassed is important. I matter, and what I went through matters. I don’t want anyone else who is in my position to have to go through what I did. Everyone has the right to not be discriminated against because of their sex,
We look to Dr. King as a beacon of hope as we continue his work and the work of those who came before us to free all people from the shadows of oppression, so that all of us can breathe free and have a voice in our America.
