My Friends,
As you know, we are living through a time of relentless attacks on our democracy, with the most vulnerable members of our community often facing the harshest consequences of the Trump administration’s rule by intimidation, exclusion, and cruelty.
In just a few months in office, Trump — using executive orders and threats — has attacked the rights of trans people to access gender-affirming care, pursued a hateful campaign to demonize and deport immigrants, revoked federal funds in attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion programs and moved to stifle free speech on college campuses.
Freedom, fairness and, ultimately, our basic humanity is on the line.
The daily barrage of news about unconstitutional federal overreach can be overwhelming.
But I take comfort and strength in the knowledge that together, with you, the ACLU-WA remains steadfast and GROUNDED in a set of unyielding priorities and principles:
We are GROUNDED in our commitment to protecting and expanding civil rights and civil liberties for ALL.
We are GROUNDED in the rule of law. In Washington, we have strong state laws and constitutional protections against the worst abuses of the Trump administration’s agenda. And the ACLU-WA is committed to legal and legislative work that will strengthen and expand those protections. You can find more about our work as a Firewall for Freedom here and in the following pages of the newsletter.
We are GROUNDED in truth, unflinchingly. Many of Trump’s executive orders amount to unconstitutional power grabs that undermine our separation of powers. We must name this truth and fight to protect our democracy and our freedoms.
We are GROUNDED in work that upholds the humanity of all. While the current administration is actively dehumanizing our neighbors, the ACLU-WA is working to safeguard the rights of trans people, immigrants, people living with disabilities, BIPOC communities, pregnant people and all members of our beloved community. We know that when we protect the most vulnerable of our neighbors, we are all better off.
We are GROUNDED in an acknowledgement that this is challenging, long-haul work. To be most effective, we need strategic vision and action, financial resources, investment in and care for community partnerships and for our own health. Taking time to resource ourselves and to rest is crucial to sustaining our work. As the story teaches us, it is the tortoise who always wins.
We are GROUNDED in the knowledge that this work takes ALL of us. Working with and beside community, our partners at national and YOU, we will build our capacity, move others to action and remain relentless for our freedoms. Together.
In the latest issue of our newsletter, you will find numerous examples of the ACLU-WA’s brilliant and dedicated staff showing up — in the state legislature, in the courts and in community — to advocate for meaningful criminal legal reform, to expand the availability of healthcare for immigrants, protect and expand rights for trans people and unhoused people, and so much more.
At the ACLU-WA, we do not despair. We act. Together, we will build a more just and equitable society for all.
Onward toward justice and freedom,
michele storms,
Executive Director at the ACLU of Washington
