Following a lawsuit from the US Department of Justice, the State of Maine has agreed to support children with disabilities and comply with federal law.
For 105 years nationwide and 65 years in Maine, the ACLU has consistently and fearlessly defended all people’s constitutional freedoms and fought politicians’ abuses of power – and we are not stopping now.
The U.S. Department of Justice has sued Maine for discriminating against young people with disabilities by denying adequate services, separating children from their families, and institutionalizing children who need health care.
The court’s order will allow the ACLU to hold the entirety of the state government accountable for systemically denying hundreds of people their right to an attorney.
The court has opened the door for cities to punish people for trying to survive, but Maine cities must address root causes instead.
An ordinance passed Monday threatens free speech rights and targets unhoused residents under the guise of public safety.