We sponsor  and participate in events around the state  to generate dialogue and raise awareness of civil liberties issues.   To invite us to an event in your community, click here.

Follow Julie Thibodaux, our Education & Outreach Coordinator, as she travels throughout Louisiana.

June 5, 2010

Thanks, Shreveport!

This post is a big "thank-you" to the Charles T. Beaird Foundation and the people of Shreveport for making our 2009-2010 outreach year a rousing success.

In May of 2009, the ACLU of Louisiana received a generous grant from the Beaird Foundation, which enabled me to make numerous trips to Shreveport in order to work closely with community members and coalition partners to build stronger ACLU community support. Among those great community partners were the NAACP of Shreveport, People Acting for Change and Equality, the Columbia Café, the Robinson Film Center, Community Renewal International, and the First United Methodist Church. Each of these organizations and businesses helped us create a larger reach and assisted us in finding new supporters for our work. Thanks to all of you for your dedication to equal rights and equality. Shreveport is lucky to have all of you working to better its community.

At the beginning of this May I took my last Shreveport trip funded by the Beaird grant. I am happy to report that this was my most successful trip so far! I was honored to meet with local NAACP members for twice, and with ACLU of Louisiana supporters once, all of whom expressed concerns over the treatment of the people of Shreveport by public officials. Thanks to all of you for your blunt assessment of Shreveport's issues and your ideas on how to improve life in your area.

I'm pleased to announce that we've been awarded a new grant from the Beaird Foundation for 2010-2011, to continue our outreach work, and to hire a part-time field associate in Shreveport. We are thankful that we'll be able to have the opportunity to again work closely with the Shreveport community that we have come to admire, to advance civil liberties for all its people.  

-Julie

March 19, 2010

A Change is Gonna Come

"It's been a long, a long time coming. But, I know that change, change is gonna come." Those lyrics sung many years ago still ring true today. Now that I've been doing this work for over a year now, I realize how much time and effort it actually takes to make a movement produce tangible results.

At the beginning of February, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Creating Change conference held annually by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Each year advocates from around the world convene to bring ideas, share stories, and create change for the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people.

The opportunity to meet many wonderful advocates who dedicate their lives to bringing fairness and equality to LGBT people is an experience that I treasure. Many of the people that I met throughout the week are volunteers at state-wide or national organizations. Meeting people who give countless hours of their lives without getting a dime (or any recognition) in return allowed me to appreciate my blessings and realize how lucky I am to actually get paid to fight for justice.

In the fight for justice, people across the US are advocating for student rights, lobbying for the Employment Non Discrimination Act, fighting for marriage equality, working with religious communities to promote acceptance, listening to the transgender community to be more supportive of T issues-just to name a few. And, advocates are fighting for these rights against an oppressive and often hostile system. Although we have a long way to go for equality and justice in the US (and in the world), I know that a change is gonna come because advocates and organizers will make calls, knock on doors, and have conversations that will change the world!

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

When I signed on to work for the ACLU of Louisiana, I knew I was going to be blessed with many benefits such as working for equality and justice, learning more about issues facing Louisianans, and honing the craft of organizing. I did not anticipate what has now become one of my favorite parts of my job: experiencing different places in Louisiana and learning about Louisianians throughout the state.

Becoming an adopted New Orleanian many years ago, it was easy to create a bubble in the New Orleans community thinking that those with progressive views exist only in this city and that the rest of Louisiana "just doesn't get it." However, working for the ACLU of Louisiana and traveling throughout the state, I have drastically changed my views.

Last month, I had the opportunity to visit and meet with people in Shreveport, Monroe, Lafayette and Lake Charles. Communities throughout Louisiana are searching for like-minded people who want to combat racism, homophobia, sexism and religious extremism. Often times, in many parts of the state, people are ostracized because they wish to break from the system of long-held beliefs of friends and family. People are yearning to be a part of a world in which every person is treated with dignity and respect no matter race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. By having the ACLU of Louisiana travel to different towns in the state-big and small-, people learn that others in Louisiana are fighting for the same kinds of justice.

I have learned the old adage of "don't judge a book by its cover" rings true in my work throughout the state of Louisiana. I meet people from all different walks of life who are searching for the same thing-life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Wanting to live up to the values of the constitution is a thread that runs through every part of the state whether it's a city of 1,000 or 100,000. At our core we all desire to be treated fairly and equally, and we all want the opportunity to be heard.

If you would like the ACLU to visit your town, please email jthibodaux@laaclu.org. I look forward to working throughout the state and to bring the mission of the ACLU to you!

From the Schoolhouse to the Jailhouse

Advocates throughout Louisiana converged in New Orleans last Wednesday to set a clear agenda to fight for the end of the School to Prison Pipeline (STPP) in Louisiana. Too often in Louisiana children are forced out of schools at young ages and sent to alternative schools, prisons, or left to drop out of school with little education.

Stories throughout Louisiana tell a familiar tale of students handed harsh punishments for trivial infractions. For instance, in Louisiana we've seen punishments like the expulsion of a first grader for bringing a water gun to school, a 12-year old boy arrested in Houma for pulling out toy gun on another student, and students sent to alternative schools that are military-like for truancy. These punishments are disproportionately enforced against African-American children. Many children are no longer disciplined within school hallways, but are forced into the criminal justice system, leaving them with a criminal record that will follow them for a lifetime. We see this not only in schools but also in our court system: last year the ACLU of Louisiana defended a student on probation when the judge threatened to send him to jail if he didn't cut his dreadlocks.

The ACLU of Louisiana will continue to work with the STPP coalition to improve the lives of students and to ensure racial equity and the provision of services for those with mental and physical challenges. The ACLU is also working on a national level to bring attention to this issue. In December, the ACLU of Louisiana signed on to a national campaign to highlight school push-out problems throughout the US. We are committed to ending racial and mental and physical prejudices affecting students in Louisiana and throughout the US.

-Julie

 January 13, 2010

The Death of One Affects Us All

"The death of one affects us all" is what the The Rev. Melanie Morel-Ensminger repeated over and over the night Gerald Bordelon was executed by state officials at Angola State Penitentiary. For the first time in almost eight years, Louisiana executed a prisoner on death row. Mr. Bordelon died on January 7, 2010 at 6:32 PM.

The ACLU of Louisiana and other local advocates against the death penalty gathered for a vigil in memory of Mr. Bordelon and all those who have died due to government imposed execution. At this solemn event, we were all reminded of the unjust nature of the death penalty. One of the many reasons the death penalty presents such a clear Eighth Amendment violation is that it is disproportionately imposed based on wholly improper factors, such as race, class, venue, the quality of counsel, whether the defendant is a resident of or a visitor to the jurisdiction in which the case is tried. Unitarian and Episcopal ministers preached that when we kill another person, we kill a part of ourselves since we are all intertwined in this world. And, finally, Gary Clements of Capital Post Conviction Project of Louisiana reported on the number of death row inmates who are exonerated due to better evidence and better forensic testing.

The death penalty is an arbitrary and out-dated punishment used by the government to make people believe they are safer. However, as Mr. Clements asked us the night of the vigil, I'd like to know if anyone actually felt safer at 6:33 PM on January 7th, 2010. Because this man died by the hand of our government, did anyone sleep a little better or feel a little more protected in his or her neighborhood? The death penalty does not keep us safer, but it does keep us from being a fully free nation. The ACLU knows that the death penalty is the ultimate denial of civil liberties. It is time to stand up for freedom and speak out against the death penalty because the death of one affects us all.

 -Julie

December 18, 2009

A (Facebook) Christmas Story

However, even though many people will take the time to study and learn about ACLU and the U.S. Constitution, I had a Facebook friend recently attack our work via a Facebook note. Without bothering to check facts and the law, the Facebook friend asked me why ACLU of Pennsylvania would require a courthouse to remove a crèche and menorah from the front lawn. She ended her attack by saying, "This is why I don't like the ACLU." At first, I was going to ignore such a blatant disregard for me and my work, but I realized confronting her with the facts could turn this negative situation into a very positive one. I could inform the Facebook masses about our work and create a positive conversation about the work that the ACLU does. Taking the time to respond to a criticism of the ACLU, allowed me to further understand why the work we do is so important and why I am so passionate about our work.

As a religious person, I treasure the work that the ACLU does to keep government out of religion. Religious expression - during the holidays and throughout the year - is a valued part of the First Amendment rights guaranteed all citizens. But government should never be in the business of endorsing things like religious displays. Religion is best served when the government plays no role in promoting any particular holiday or any individual religious tradition. That job is best suited for individuals, families and religious communities. For when that decision is left in the hands of individuals and kept out of the hands of the government, those who decide to are truly free to celebrate the religious holiday of their choice. That is why the ACLU works to ensure that government is neutral when it comes to religion, and opposes any government endorsement of any religious display.

As an American, I treasure the U.S. Constitution. Under the law of this country, the government is prohibited from endorsing religion - any religion - because to do so is to say that religion is good, and that those endorsed are better than others. A crèche and a menorah together send the message that people should believe in one or the other, without recognizing that millions of Americans subscribe to other religious traditions or to none at all. The Constitution and Supreme Court rulings are very clear that government may not favor religion over no religion or one faith over others.

I love this time of year at the ACLU of Louisiana. It is a time for me to appreciate the 1st amendment and all the rights it affords me to practice a religion of my choice, and it is a time for me to correct and answer misguided notions about our work-a work which I fiercely and irrevocably believe is important!

-Julie

December 2, 2009

 ACT UP: FIGHT AIDS!

Tuesday, December 1st marked World AIDS Day and the ACLU of Louisiana did not let this day go unnoticed. Tuesday evening we participated in the HAMP (HIV Awareness Music Project) Fest at the Howlin' Wolf by having an information table along side Forum For Equality, NO/AIDS Task Force, the Brotherhood and other local organizations who work with people living with HIV/AIDS.

An event like the HAMP Fest helps me remember that I live in the greatest city in the world and that I have one of the greatest jobs in the world. I was able to represent an amazing organization that works to ensure that those living with HIV/AIDS are not discriminated against in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Further, I was able to sit back and listen to Kermit Ruffins, The Rebirth Brass Band, and Trombone Shorty and the Orleans Street Band (just to name a few). It was such a great night-the Howlin' Wolf was packed with people who support finding a cure for HIV/AIDS and who support an end to discrimination for those living with HIV/AIDS. I am truly grateful and amazed every time I get to be a room where activists, entertainers, organizers, and every-day citizens are coming together for a united cause and are working together to make a difference in people's lives.

With the help of supporters, members, and donors who want to make a difference, the ACLU is able to ensure that all those living with HIV/AIDS are treated with dignity and respect and equality, through litigation, advocacy, and public education. Our national office is currently representing Michael Lamarre who was not hired by TSA because he might contract a cold more easily at the airport since he lives with HIV. ACLU is fighting to stop this type of blatant discrimination from the government, and we will continue to fight until the one million Americans living with HIV/AIDS do not face discrimination of any kind.

(For more information on our National HIV/AIDS project visit: http://www.aclu.org/blog/hiv-aids/world-aids-day-2009-aclu-aids-lawyer-talks-advocacy)

 -Julie

November 10, 2009

Up, Up and Away!

As I sit at my desk and write this, I must admit I'm feeling a bit strange. For the last month, I've found myself in Atlanta, New York, Alexandria, Monroe, and Shreveport. It's a funny feeling to be sitting at my desk instead of traveling somewhere to talk about our work!

In early October, I participated in a week-long conference in Atlanta on Reproductive Justice. I had the opportunity to meet colleagues in states such as Oklahoma, Mississippi and Alabama. We looked at ways to adapt our strategies to ensure that reproductive rights don't continue to be stripped away little by little. I had a magnificent time, and came back more prepared than ever to deal with the reproductive healthcare issues on a grassroots level.

In the middle of October, Nora and I once again travelled together to explore more of our great state. For the first time since joining the ACLU (and I made a year on October 27th!), I was able to go to Alexandria. I spoke at the Unitarian Church and was a guest on the radio show "Eyes Wide Open with Tony Brown," and am grateful to both for giving me the chance to speak with the public about what we are doing here at ACLU and where we are going! After Alexandria, I headed further north for more speaking engagements in Monroe and Shreveport. I am so grateful to all of our members and supporters who came out to hear what we have to say and who keep spreading our word to friends and family.

Finally, the end of October came, and I was once again on an airplane and now headed to NYC for national staff training to learn more about ACLU and all the work we do throughout the United States. I am very impressed with the work done at national and other affiliates, but I must say that the work we are doing in Louisiana is remarkable. I am proud to be part of this team. I walked away from the conference with my head held high knowing that the work we do is not only affecting people in Louisiana, but is making a difference across the country. We have an extraordinary team here at ACLU of Louisiana, and I'm grateful to be one of the players!

 September 29, 2009

Proud of Pride!

Just a few short months ago, the ACLU of Louisiana held our first LGBT meeting in Lake Charles after a complaint from a local lesbian couple came through our system. I never know what to expect at these meetings, but honestly, since it was Lake Charles, I was not expecting many people to show up. To my pleasant surprise, almost 20 people attended the first meeting. I mentioned this to one of the attendees, Megan Norris, and she was sort of taken aback that I was excited over what she saw as the lack of people. She made a deal with me then and there that she could get 200 people in Lake Charles to show their acceptance for the gay community.

Well, let me tell you, Megan showed me that more than 200 people in Lake Charles care about activism, and the gay community. I attended Lake Charles' first ever gay pride on Saturday, September 19th, 2009, with over 1,000 people in attendance: young and old, gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals, transmen and transwomen, drag queens and straight allies.

It was a beautiful moment to witness, and now it's a part of Louisiana history that cannot be erased. It is a gift in life when we step back to realize that the moment, the time, the space is bigger than us--we were part of a movement on that Saturday. Lake Charles Pride is one of those stories that I will tell my grandchildren about, one of those stories that I'll tell too many times because I know that it was a once in a lifetime experience that I had the privilege to observe.

On July 16th and July 20th, 2009, I had the privilege of working with young people at the Sojourner Community Center in New Orleans. Sojourner Community Center is operated by Catholic Charities Community Centers to enhance community development through social programs. The Project Manager of the community center, Carol Carter, asked me to come and speak with summer camp participants about issues facing minority youth.

On the first day, the kids steered my presentation into a new and exciting direction. The questions ranged from the why cops target African-Americans to why marijuana is such a terrible offense in the eyes of law enforcement. These young men and women have seen people they love dying on the streets, and they wondered why little is being done to deter violent crime in New Orleans.

On day two, I wanted the campers to know that they have a voice and that their opinion is valuable and needed. I helped the campers write letters to Senators Vitter and Landrieu about the problems facing young people today. I was amazed at the depth and breadth of knowledge that these kids possessed at their age. They have seen the system fail countless family members and friends, and they wanted a guarantee from their lawmakers that the system would not fail them as well.

After working with the campers, I came to grips with the reality of being young and believing that society is pushing you down rather than building you up. Our future depends on the strength and courage of the next generation, and it is in our power to make sure that kids are given the opportunity to shine and be heard.

Recently, Nora Ellertsen (Development Director) and I traveled through the great state of Louisiana up to Shreveport, staying in that city starting on July 21st and having a successful adventure that ended July 24th.

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was seeing the splendor of Louisiana through a new Louisianan's eyes. Nora only moved to New Orleans in November of last year, and this was her first trip north of Baton Rouge. During our trip, I saw the beauty of our state that I often forget. The cypress trees, the over-reaching pines, the vast green spaces-many times the incredible natural beauty of Louisiana is overlooked in peoples' minds.

Not only was I able to experience the beauty of Louisiana in the landscape, I was also able to see it in the bright spirit of Louisianans. During my time in Shreveport, I spoke with friends of the ACLU, and I was energized by people's dedication to creating a better Louisiana. Our Shreveport friends were grateful that we shared our time to let them know that we care about every part of Louisiana and every Louisianan. As our friends were impressed with our work, I too was left with a depth of gratitude for the work North Louisianans do to secure rights. For instance, I spoke with a local community member who feels the need to call out racial inequalities when she sees them playing out in everyday life. Furthermore, I met with the Board of Directors for People Acting for Change and Equality (PACE), an organization which is working tirelessly to make equality a possibility for the gay community in the Shreveport area. They will be hosting their first Gay and Lesbian Film Fest on September 11th-13th, 2009. It's inspiring to see community members throughout the state standing up for the rights of every Louisianan.

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