News & Commentary

Happy Org Day Indiana! 

The civil rights of transgender people are on the ballot nationally and here in Indiana this November. That’s why it’s so important that trans people exercise their right to vote, despite the fact that intimidation in their communities and confusion about voter ID rules can decrease turnout among this vulnerable group.  

Last Thursday, IMPD proposed its 2021 budget to the Indianapolis City-County Council Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee. During the committee meeting, IMPD leadership broke down their $261,245,103 budget line by line. The main takeaway being that IMPD seeks more officers and more equipment.  

Have you made your voting plan, but now you're ready to do more to help others vote this November? Volunteering may look different for everybody for the 2020 election. We've gathered some resources and volunteer opportunities from all over the state of Indiana to help you find the right volunteer opportunity for you. These activities will range from phone and text banking to in-person tasks for those who feel safe participating.

As the Indianapolis community continues to call for the divestment from police and reinvestment into the Black and Brown communities they unjustly target, IMPD responded by proposing an overall $7 million increase in its 2021 budget. In IMPD’s 2021 proposed budget, 82% will be used for officer salaries and benefits, with their focus on the recruitment of more officers. 

Police across the country are enforcing laws that restrict or prohibit behaviors of people experiencing homelessness, including panhandling, sleeping, sitting or lying down, and living in vehicles within public spaces. These laws criminalize poverty, fuel prejudices and stereotypes, and spur further criminalization and community divide. 

We’re calling on Indiana elected officials to ensure Hoosiers have the option to vote absentee — no excuse needed. To request a mail-in ballot Indiana typically requires voters to provide a reason they can’t make it to the polls, but protecting voters from the threat of COVID-19 should be reason enough.  

Music can be so deeply connected to our lives and our work - and that’s definitely true here at the ACLU of Indiana. Whether it’s a protest song from the 60s that reminds us of the long history of our fight, a punk-rock rager when we need a good yell, or a fun dance song with a good beat that shores up our enthusiasm when we’re getting ready to show out and show up in the fight for justice and equality. We each have our unique “let’s go” songs that keep us moving. 

When students are sick, stressed, acting out, or may hurt themselves or others, counselors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists—not police—should be on the frontlines helping these students. Typical adolescent misconduct is not criminal behavior, but when schools lack adequate resources, teachers may call on police for behavioral support. This results in hyper-criminalization of our youth, particularly students of color. Students of color experience an incre