Racial Justice

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The authors of the Declaration of Independence outlined a bold vision for America: a nation in which all people would be free and equal. More than two hundred years later, it has yet to be achieved.

Deep-seated systemic racism and inequities that disadvantage communities of color are still woven into the fabric of our New Hampshire institutions today— from education and housing to our criminal legal system.

The ACLU of New Hampshire’s Racial Justice program strives to create a world where “we the people” truly means all us. This means dismantling systemic racism and working to repair centuries of harm inflicted on communities of color. We aim to mend the current and historic harms wrought by race-based segregation, discrimination, and deprivation of economic and other opportunities.

In coalition with other civil rights groups and local advocates, we lobby in local and state legislatures and support grassroots movements. Through these efforts, we strive to educate and empower the public on a variety of issues, including race as it relates to criminal justice, economic justice, inequality in education; affirmative action; and Indigenous rights.

The Latest

Press Release
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Federal Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Against Department of Education’s Unlawful Directive

A federal judge blocked the U.S. Department of Education's unprecedented and unlawful attempt to restrict discussions and programs on diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational institutions.
Press Release
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Agreement Temporarily Halts Enforcement of Department of Education’s Unlawful Directive

The parties have reached an agreement that blocks the department from taking any enforcement action under either directive until at least April 24, 2025.
Press Release
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NH advocates raise alarm on bail reform rollback plans

Warns politicians intent on rolling back New Hampshire’s bail system that their plans would lead to the needless and harmful incarceration of thousands of Granite Staters – disproportionately people of color – at enormous taxpayer expense. 
Press Release
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ACLU and NEA sue U.S. Department of Education Over Unlawful Attack on Educational Equity

The lawsuit challenges the Department of Education’s Feb. 14, 2025, Dear Colleague Letter, which threatens federal funding cuts for education institutions nationwide for engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts; and a 14-day window before “appropriate measures” would be taken.  
Court Case
Mar 05, 2025

NEA and NEA-NH v. U.S. Department of Education

Court Case
Oct 05, 2022

John Does v. Manchester Police Department; BLM-Manchester and ACLU-NH v. Manchester Police Department

Court Case
Mar 21, 2022

United States v. Fagan

Court Case
Dec 20, 2021

Philibotte/Mejia, et al. v. N.H. Commissioner of Education, et. al.