News & Commentary

Two signs are held up during the May Day March In Manhattan, New York on May 1, 2025. The largest of the signs is in the foreground and reads"We Are a Nation of Immigrants," while the smaller in the background reads, " WE ARE ALL (EXCEPT NATIVE...

Help Wanted: Oklahoma’s Immigration Crisis and the Urgent Need For Habeas Counsel

Oklahoma has a growing immigration enforcement crisis.

By Travis Handler

Latest Event

Memorial for Kendrick Simpson

Kendrick Simpson was a poet, a friend, a father, a grandfather, a son, and a loving community member. On February 12, 2026, Kendrick was executed by the state of Oklahoma. You can learn more about Kendrick here.

Kendrick’s life was marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to education and the arts. He was the first person in Oklahoma to earn his GED while on Death Row, and he excelled in several college courses, demonstrating his dedication to learning even in the most challenging circumstances.

During his time at Rose State, Kendrick published poetry in the 2024 and 2025 editions of the school’s literary journal, Pegasus. In 2024, he was a finalist for the James Axley Fiction and Poetry award for his poem, “Who Am I.” Kendrick also published a book of poetry, essays, and short stories written from Death Row, titled Sentenced to Speak: Ruminations of a Triggered Mind. He dedicated the sales of his book and any other donations to the creation of a writing award for a Department of Corrections student at Rose State, hoping to inspire others to find their voice through writing.

Please join us in honoring Kendrick’s memory at this memorial.

Kendrick Simpson

More from the Press

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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Sep 21, 2026

Summary of HB 1775 Lawsuit and Key Points for Oklahoma K-12 Teachers and Students

In October 2021, a multiracial group of Oklahoma students, parents, and faculty filed a federal lawsuit challenging H.B. 1775.1 H.B. 1775 is a classroom censorship law that severely restricted teaching about race and gender in Oklahoma public education. The law has two sections: the first applies to colleges and universities, and the second applies to K-12 schools.

Students raising their hands in a classroom.
Jun 02, 2026

The 250th Year of the American Experiment: Power, Democracy, and 2SLGBTQ Rights in Dynamic Tension For Pride Month, 2026

This blog reflects on the 250th anniversary during Pride Month to ask: What does this moment mean for civil rights and civil liberties, specifically for 2SLGBTQ populations?

By Sage Mauldin

A Pride supporter (whose face cannot be seen) holds an Intersex-inclusive Pride Flag in their hair while facing the Supreme Court.
May 19, 2026

Senate Bill 904 FAQ

S.B. 904 restricts the use of state resources for gender-affirming medical care for minors and adults.

ACLU: Share image
May 04, 2026

287(g) in Oklahoma: How Local Police Become Immigration Enforcers

The 287(g) program was created by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act of 1996. Participation in the program is completely voluntary, meaning local officials choose whether they wish to enter into a cooperative agreement with ICE.

By Camree Bennett-Cox, Travis Handler

ACLU: Share image
Dec 16, 2025

Getting to Know Kendrick Simpson on Death Row

I’ve had the opportunity to get to know the next man Oklahoma plans to kill, Kendrick Simpson. Kendrick and I have visited down on death row many times as I’ve worked with my colleagues and with Kendrick to improve conditions for all the guys on death row. It’s been a privilege to get to know Kendrick and, since you don’t have the same opportunity, I’d like to share my experience with you.

By Randy Bauman

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Dec 08, 2025

Ending Indefinite Solitary Confinement for the Vast Majority of People with Death Sentences in Oklahoma

After years of working collaboratively with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, we are proud to announce the end of indefinite solitary confinement for the vast majority of people incarcerated with death sentences in Oklahoma.

By Travis Handler

Criminal Law Reform
Sep 09, 2025

Open vs. Closed: The Battle for the Future of Language Models

Will Language Models Foster Freedom or Authoritarianism? (part 4 in a series)

A view of the stacks of an open research library
Sep 08, 2025

Revisiting the NEA Four: Free Speech Battles in the Arts

From the “decency” fights of the 1990s to today’s “gender ideology” rule, the NEA’s funding shifts are sidelining queer voices. The ACLU is pushing back to protect artists.

A photo of the the NEA Four at the supreme court.
Sep 04, 2025

Lawmakers Can't Turn Classrooms Into Sunday Schools

From Arkansas to Oklahoma, politicians are pushing religion into public schools. The ACLU is fighting back to defend church-state separation and students’ rights.

Two street signs at an intersection on a pole reading Church St on one and State St on the other.