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The ACLU of Louisiana is a non-profit, non-partisan organization fighting for individual rights and fundamental freedoms as guaranteed by the U.S. and Louisiana Constitutions.

What We Do

The ACLU Foundation of Louisiana works in the courts, legislatures, and streets to remedy violations of civil liberties. Unfortunately, our resources are limited, and we are not able to help in every situation. We are only able to take cases that raise significant constitutional or civil liberties issues, or that affect a large number of people.

ACLU cases involve government action, and generally deal with:

• First Amendment Rights

These include freedom of speech, association, and assembly, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion, including the separation of church and state.

• Equal Protection of the Law

The right to equal treatment regardless of race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical handicap, or other such classification. These apply to the classroom, the voting booth, the workplace, and the courts.

• Due Process of Law

The right to be treated fairly by the government when facing serious accusations.

• The Right to Privacy

The right to a guaranteed zone of personal autonomy free from government intrusion.

Types of cases that the ACLU does not handle:

The ACLU is not a public defender, legal services or legal aid organization. The ACLU does not choose clients on the basis of membership status or financial consideration. We also refuse to take political sides.

We do not handle cases involving such things as evictions, other tenant-landlord disputes, criminal prosecutions, divorce, child custody, or wills, unless they raise broader constitutional concerns.

For more details on what the ACLU considers in deciding whether to take a case, CLICK HERE.

How To Request Help From The ACLU

Unfortunately, because of a lack of resources, the ACLU of Louisiana is unable to accept telephone or walk-in complaints. The only way to ask us for help is through completing a complaint form on this website.

The ACLU Foundation of Louisiana complaint form is designed to assist the ACLU in the evaluation of your grievance. When filling out the form, please be as specific and detailed as possible. It is important that all questions be answered fully and completely. If we need further information, we have your address and/or telephone number and can request any documents necessary. All complaint files are kept confidential and are disposed of after two years.

There may be deadlines that might affect your lawsuit or grievance. If you are concerned about whether the time for bringing your complaint is about to pass, you should not rely on filing an ACLU complaint to protect you; you should consult with an attorney of your choice. The ACLU is not an attorney referral service. For a list of attorneys, and/or for information about organizations who assist low-income Louisianians with legal matters, we recommend you consult the Louisiana Bar Association.