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The ACLU of Illinois: Central Illinois Chapter logo

ACLU of Central Illinois

ACLU of Central Illinois, as part of the American Civil Liberties Union, dares to create a more perfect union — beyond one person, party, or side. Our mission is to realize this promise of the United States Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees.

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Defending the rights & civil liberties of all central Illinoisans.

The ACLU dares to create a more perfect union — beyond one person, party, or side. Our mission is to realize this promise of the United States Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees.

Join the ACLU
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1920

In its first year, the ACLU challenged the Palmer Raids, protecting immigrants & trade union members.

1942

The ACLU stood almost alone in denouncing the federal government’s internment of more than 110,000 Japanese Americans in concentration camps.

1967

The ACLU represented an interracial couple in the landmark Supreme Court case, Loving v. Virginia. The court ruled that state bans on interracial marriage were unconstitutional.

1978

The ACLU took a controversial stand for free speech by defending a Nazi group that wanted to march through the Chicago suburb of Skokie—where many Holocaust survivors lived.

2015

The ACLU won a landmark Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, affirming the constitutional right of same-sex couples to marry.

2018

The Supreme Court ruled in an ACLU case, Carpenter v. United States, that people’s sensitive cell phone location data is protected by the Fourth Amendment, requiring the government get a warrant to access it.

Today

The ACLU has 1,700+ staffers in every state, D.C., and Puerto Rico fighting for people’s constitutional rights.

Read more about our history …

Did you know central Illinois had its own chapter of the ACLU?

Our local steering committee is led by President Karla Bailey-Smith, Vice President Ravi Duvvuri, Secretary Bruce Lang and Treasurer Dave Bentlin. Meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm.

Learn more about our local leadership
A group of members of the ACLU of Central Illinois pose for a picture during a parade.
A group of members of the ACLU of Central Illinois.

On the issues

The ACLU of Illinois is engaged in several long-term campaigns to address the systemic problems undermining freedom in our state.

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On the ground

We aim to support bills that strengthen our rights guaranteed under the Constitution and defeat bills that threaten them.

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In the courts

Litigation remains one of the fundamental tools with which our adept legal team fights for equality and civil rights throughout the state. 

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Want to know more?

Learn more about the issues the ACLU is working on, in central Illinois, throughout the state, and across the county.

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Want to know more?

Interested in joining us, have a question, or looking for more information?

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Latest News

Remembering James Keeran

As many of you are aware, a dear friend to many of us, Jim Keeran, passed on April 19th. An award-winning journalist, a pillar of the performing arts …

Read moreRemembering James Keeran
ACLU of Illinois: Central Illinois Chapter

ACLU of Central Illinois event set for September 20

The Central Illinois Chapter of the ACLU will host Judge James Knecht’s presentation “The Serpent Beguiled Me: Criminal Justice, Prisons, …

Read moreACLU of Central Illinois event set for September 20
ACLU of Illinois: Central Illinois Chapter

Welcome to aclu-centralil.org

The Central Illinois chapter of the ACLU is pleased to launch our new website – aclu-centralil.org. Take a look around to find out more about us, our …

Read moreWelcome to aclu-centralil.org

Ready to get involved & take action?

Real change starts with you and every one of us can help make a difference. ACLU activists help turn America’s most cherished principles into reality. The ACLU is the foremost civil rights & liberties organization — a movement of people fighting together for justice, freedom, fairness, and equality for all. Check out these opportunities to join us in our important work.

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Ready to join us in our work to assure that the Bill of Rights is preserved for each new generation?

We’re proud to defend everyone’s right to speak out – including those who disagree with us. Join the ACLU of Illinois today!

Join us today!
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