News & Commentary

Jul 03, 2025

Video Series: The Fight for Incarcerated Mothers and Their Children

This video series details the story of the fight for incarcerated mothers and their children, made in partnership with UWM Film Students.

This picture has an adult woman holding a toddler looking outside a window
May 05, 2025

The ‘Cycle’ Continues

Another Wisconsinite was killed by police – hours after the world premiere of “Cycle," a documentary about the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Ty’Rese West by Mount Pleasant Police Officer Eric Giese.

By Alyssa Meinecke, Director of Communications, Program & Strategy

Ida B Wells quote reading "Those who commit the murders writes the reports."
Apr 10, 2025

Second Chance Month: Wisconsin Must Take Common-Sense Steps to End Mass Incarceration Now

From marijuana convictions to crimeless revocation, our broken criminal legal system impacts the civil rights and liberties of too many Wisconsinites.

No one should be incarcerated for marijuana
Mar 10, 2025

Justice for Incarcerated Women: Court Mandates Mother-Young Child Care Program in Wisconsin

Alyssa was separated from her newborn, Bentley, while in DOC custody. So we sued and won. Watch Alyssa and Bentley's story.

mother's hand separated from child's hand
Dec 16, 2024

The Importance of Legal Mail for Communicating about Conditions in the Wisconsin Carceral System

Paralegal Nour Kalbouneh describes our legal intake process and how the policy of photocopying incarcerated individuals’ legal mail affects their rights.

By Tina Itson, Development Director

Dec 09, 2024

The Importance of Physical Mail for Incarcerated People in Wisconsin

Coalition and Relations Advocate Melissa Ludin describes the importance of receiving physical mail from loved ones while incarcerated.

By Melissa Ludin, Coalition and Relations Advocate

Dec 03, 2024

The Power of Words: Stop Seeking Votes by Dehumanizing the Disenfranchised

Using the word "felon" to disparage a public figure perpetuates a narrative that those with felony records are dangerous when, in reality, many of us are simply fighting to reclaim our freedom and autonomy.

By Melissa Ludin, Coalition and Relations Advocate

Jun 28, 2024

55 Years After Stonewall, Police Reform Stalls at Symbolic Gestures

The ACLU’s latest report shows how, despite efforts to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community, police harassment, violence and discrimination continues to target sexual and gender minorities.

Jun 25, 2024

What Voters Really Want for Immigration and Public Safety Reform

Ahead of the 2024 elections, voters are disillusioned with fear-based rhetoric from both candidates. The ACLU breaks down what solutions have the most public support.