Civil Liberties

Chas Calenda: The Right To Bear Arms-Young V. Hawaii A Conversation.

Flash! Attorney Chas Calenda joined The Coalition Talk Radio Tonite! to discuss 9th Circuit 2A Madness! Did Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha use Rhode Island Taxpayer resources to file a “Friend Of The Court Brief”? “Born and raised in Rhode Island, Charles “Chas” Calenda has always heard the call[Read More…]

by March 25, 2021

US Supreme Court To Hear Oral Arguments RE: RI Search/Seizure Case Caniglia V Strom RIACLU Amicus Brief Included

Tomorrow, March 24, 2021, at 10Am, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Caniglia v. Strom, a major 4th Amendment search & seizure case based in Rhode Island From the Rhode Island ACLU (1/25/21) “The case, dating back to 2015, involves Cranston resident Edward Caniglia, whose two[Read More…]

by March 23, 2021

Introducing The Rhode Island Yes We Cannabis Coalition!

From https://www.yeswecannabisri.com/vision: Our partners in the Yes We Cannabis – RI coalition believe Rhode Island must address the harmful legacy of cannabis prohibition and its racially-biased enforcement. Specifically, we urge state lawmakers to pass legislation that: Automatically expunges past cannabis convictions; Encourages people from disproportionately impacted communities to own and[Read More…]

by March 22, 2021

GROUPS URGE RI SENATE TO REJECT PROPOSAL THAT WOULD DETER PUBLIC TESTIMONY

  The League of Women Voters RI, Common Cause RI and the ACLU of RI have sent a letter to RI Senators expressing grave concerns over a proposed amendment to the 2021-2022 Senate rules that is scheduled for a floor vote on Tuesday. The amendment would allow committee chairs, in their sole discretion, to[Read More…]

by March 19, 2021

FOWL PLAY: University of Pennsylvania Denies Hunting Club Official Recognition

During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 750 registered student groups at the University of Pennsylvania have been able to host virtual events. But Penn students interested in hunting, archery, and shooting are being denied permission for even virtual activities. Today, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education called on Penn to stop engaging[Read More…]

by March 17, 2021

Grieving Mother Of Inmate Who Died From As Yet Unexplained Circumstances Holds Press Conference

Marie Franco, Mother of  Jose Franco, held a press conference alongside her lawyer, David Strachman, and community organizers from the RI COVID Response: Decarcerate NOW Coalition, outside the Rhode Island ACI Medium Security Prison Marie’s son, Jose, unexpectedly passed in RIDOC custody nearly a month ago. He was found dead[Read More…]

by March 7, 2021

MARIE FRANCO, COMMUNITY MEMBERS, & ORGANIZERS DEMAND ANSWERS

  Marie Franco will be holding a press conference alongside her lawyer, David Strachman, and community organizers from the RI COVID Response: Decarcerate NOW Coalition who have been protesting substandard medical care and inhumane conditions in the prison. The press conference will be held at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional[Read More…]

by March 5, 2021

FAMILY OF JOSE FRANCO, FORMERLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS CONDUCT A CAR RALLY IN HIS MEMORY, DEMANDING ANSWERS

  Formerly incarcerated people, families of incarcerated people, and accomplices are rallying in cars circling the ACI facilities on Sunday, 2/28, 3 PM in solidarity with the family of Jose Franco.  (Meeting Point: Rhode Island RMV 600 New London Avenue Cranston RI) Jose died in RIDOC custody on 2/9. His[Read More…]

by February 27, 2021

Formerly Incarcerated People & Community Members Conduct Car Rally In Memory Of Jose Franco, Who Died In RIDOC Custody

  The Decarcerate NOW Coalition, which is made up of directly impacted community members and organizations including: Direct Action for Rights and Equality (DARE), the Formerly Incarcerated Union of RI (FIURI), Black and Pink Providence, and Never Again Action Rhode Island, conducted a Protest/Car Rally at The Adult Correctional Institute[Read More…]

by February 22, 2021

U.S. District Judge McElroy Rules On Johnston Police Chief Case!

In an important decision for the free speech rights of public employees, U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy ruled today that then-Johnston Police Chief Richard Tamburini violated the First Amendment rights of retired Detective James Brady when he was disciplined for speaking in his role as union president to a Providence[Read More…]

by February 9, 2021