The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is a nonprofit organization that works to defend and promote the civil liberties and rights of individuals in the state of New York. Founded in 1951, the NYCLU is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and is dedicated to protecting the fundamental freedoms and constitutional rights of all New Yorkers.
The NYCLU is committed to safeguarding civil liberties across various areas, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, privacy rights, and criminal justice reform. Through litigation, advocacy, education, and community engagement, the NYCLU strives to hold government officials accountable and protect individuals from any infringement upon their constitutional rights.
The organization is known for its role as a civil rights watchdog, frequently challenging government policies and practices at all levels, from local to state to federal, that may violate civil liberties. The NYCLU provides legal representation to individuals whose rights have been violated, seeks legislative and policy reforms to protect civil liberties, and raises public awareness about critical civil liberties issues through public education and outreach initiatives.
Overall, the NYCLU is a prominent and influential organization in New York State that actively defends civil liberties, advocates for equitable and fair treatment of individuals, and works towards building a more inclusive and just society for all New Yorkers.
