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American Civil Liberties Union - ACLU

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is the pre-eminent civil liberties organization in the United States, utilizing litigation, lobbying, and public education to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

  • There are FOUR parts to the ACLU national office holdings in the Public Policy Papers located at Mudd Library.

    For help with navigation of the holdings please refer to our LibGuide

    American Civil Liberties Union: Roger Baldwin Years (1920-1950) 

    This collection documents the activities of the ACLU from 1917 through 1950. The files contain materials on conscientious objection, freedom of speech, academic freedom, censorship, and labor concerns. The files reflect work on litigation, advocacy, and public policy. Materials include correspondence and newspaper clippings.

    American Civil Liberties Union: 1947-1995 (bulk 1950-1980) aka ACLU Subgroup 2

    These files contain materials on freedom of speech, expression, and association; due process of law; equality before the law; legal case files; and organizational records. Within these categories files reflect subject areas such as academic freedom, censorship, racial discrimination, aliens' rights, privacy concerns, labor concerns, amnesty, and government loyalty and security. The files reflect work on litigation, advocacy and public policy, and subject files on various areas of interest connected with civil liberties. Materials include correspondence, court documents, memoranda, printed matter, minutes, reports, briefs, and legal files. Also included are materials from ACLU affiliate organizations, and the Lawyers Constitutional Defense Committee.

    This database indexes over 3,600 cases in which the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was involved to some degree, from the filing of amicus briefs to the full representation of litigants. (Add database when linked from main library site)

    American Civil Liberties Union: 1980-1995 aka ACLU Subgroup 3

    These records document the administration and work of the ACLU's national office, regional offices, and legal projects, with particular emphasis on the areas of civil rights, children and women's rights, freedom of speech (and all First Amendment questions), and due process, among many others. The records include case files, correspondence, meeting minutes, research files, and files of staff members.

    Some material in the ACLU Subgroup 3 must be reviewed for legal restrictions prior to research use. Please submit requests via Reseach Account for material at least 10 business days before visiting the library to allow time for this review. An archivist will respond within 10 business days to let you know whether it is available for research use. Individuals may make up to 15 requests per month

    American Civil Liberties Union: 1933-2002 (mostly 1970-2000) aka ACLU Subgroup 4

    These records document the work of their national office in the areas of civil rights, children and women’s rights, freedom of speech (and all First Amendment questions), and due process, among many others, predominantly from 1970 to 2000.

    All material in ACLU Subgroup 4 must be reviewed for legal restrictions prior to research use. Please submit requests via Research Account for material at least 10 business days before visiting the library to allow time for this review. An archivist will respond within 10 business days to let you know whether it is available for research use. Individuals may make up to 15 requests per month.

    Other Related Collections:

    Roger Nash Baldwin Papers 1885-1981 (mostly 1911-1981)

    This collection documents the life and career of Roger Baldwin (1884-1981), a prominent and active American civil libertarian for almost all of his prodigiously long life. Baldwin is remembered first and foremost as a founder of the American Civil Liberties Union. 

    Jeffrey E. Fuller Papers 1941-1970

    Jeffrey Fuller (1917-1970) worked for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) from 1948 to 1966 and also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Fuller's papers document his service in the U.S. military and his work for the ACLU and include his personal and professional correspondence, memoranda, and diaries.

    Nadine Strossen Papers 1979-2010

    Nadine Strossen, former national board president of the American Civil Liberties Union, is a well-known civil libertarian, law professor and author. This collection consists of records generated by Nadine Strossen in her leadership roles with the American Civil Liberties Union and as professor of law at the New York Law School.

    Osmond K. Fraenkel Diaries 1933-1968

    This collection contains excerpts from the diaries of Osmond K. Fraenkel, a New York City lawyer who served on the ACLU's Board of Directors and as one of its general counsel. These excerpts discuss the cases in which Fraenkel was involved.

    Carol Pitchersky Papers 1963-2008

    Carol Pitchersky (1947-2004) was a fundraiser and consultant who helped bring financial stability to dozens of public interest groups, notably the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). She served as Associate Director in charge of development and strategic planning at the ACLU and as a consultant to other prominent nonprofit organizations. The papers document Pitchersky's work as a fundraiser at the ACLU during the 1980s and for public interest groups in the 1970s and 1990s.

     
     

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