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Racial Profiling
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Though generations of civil rights activism have led to important gains in legal, political, social, employment, educational and other spheres, inequality of resources and opportunity still disproportionately and negatively impact people of color, and New Yorkers of color still bear the brunt of attacks on civil rights and liberties. The New York Civil Liberties Union aims to preserve and extend constitutionally guaranteed rights to people who have historically been denied their rights on the basis of race.

Please explore the links to the right and below to learn about the NYCLU’s work to combat racism through litigation, organizing, legislative advocacy, and public education.


News Items and Releases  (see all)



June 16, 2008 - Experts Warn Against Proposal to Collect DNA From Innocent New Yorkers

June 13, 2008 - Grave Civil Rights Risks in Plan to Use DNA Evidence for ‘Familial Searching,’ NYCLU warns

June 9, 2008 - NYCLU: Rand Study Shouldn’t Green Light NYPD Tasers

Court Cases  (see all)



Hurrell-Harring, et al. v. State of New York (Challenge to New York State's Failure to Provide Adequate Public Defense)

Barnhart et al. v. Office of the District Attorney for the County of New York

United States v. Aref et al. (Upholding Public's Right to Access "Secret" Documents Used in Criminal Prosecutions)

Publications  (see all)



Palm Card: What to Do If You're Stopped by the Police (English and Spanish) (2004)

Report: Marajuana Arrest Crusade

Report: Criminalizing the Classroom (2007)

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