Racial Justice

The promise of equality is unfinished. The ACLU of Indiana pushes for policies and accountability that move Indiana toward true racial justice.

Racial Injustice

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.

Though civil rights activism has led to important gains in the legal, political, social, employment and educational worlds, there is more to be done. From our public schools where students of color are too often confined to isolated, underfunded, and inferior programs, to our criminal justice system that disproportionately targets and incarcerates people of color and criminalizes poverty, the ACLU uses the constitution to fight racial discrimination. Equal protection for all is vital to a thriving democracy.

In coalition with ACLU nationwide and local leaders, we support grassroots movements and advocate for change at the local and state levels. 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, and inequality in education.

The Latest


Press Release
Breaking News

Federal Court Orders Indiana to Allow Access to Driver’s Licenses for Residents with Humanitarian Protections Regardless of Country of Origin

Indiana must allow access to driver’s licenses for residents with humanitarian protections regardless of Country of origin while litigation continues.
News & Commentary
Demonstrators protest outside of the Supreme Court in Washington.

Moving Beyond the Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Rulings

The work to ensure educational opportunities for people of color continues, despite the court’s decision.
News & Commentary
Acknowledging the Significance of Indigenous Ancestors and Funeral Artifacts in Indiana

Acknowledging the Significance of Indigenous Ancestors and Funeral Artifacts in Indiana

This month Indiana became a hub for discussing accountability of universities, federal organizations, and museums as they work to return Indigenous ancestors and funeral artifacts to Native American tribes.
News & Commentary
Cannabis

Indiana Should Legalize Cannabis, Centering Racial Justice

Indiana is falling behind our neighboring states and the country on legalizing cannabis. It’s time to change that, and to ensure racial justice is centered in those efforts.

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Legislation
Jan 16, 2026

Discrimination Against People from Countries Deemed Foreign Adversaries (SEA 256)

This law creates sweeping restrictions against people from countries that have been deemed as “foreign adversaries” by the federal government (including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia), as well as any other country designated as a threat to critical infrastructure by the governor.
Status: Signed by Governor
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Feb 3, 2026

Anti-Immigrant & Enforcement Bills (SEA 76 & Others)

SEA 76 combines language from the other immigration bills and would expand enforcement by tightening “sanctuary” restrictions, mandating stronger cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), blurring the lines of state and local enforcement, and escalating penalties for anyone who doesn’t comply.
Status: Signed by Governor
Position: Oppose
Campaign
Nov 2025

Systemic Equality for Indiana

The Systemic Equality agenda is a multi-year racial justice initiative that seeks to address America’s legacy of racism and systemic discrimination.
Campaign
Oct 2025

Private: Fighting Racism & Reimagining the Criminal Legal System in Indiana

Archived page