News & Commentary
Ending Indefinite Solitary Confinement for the Vast Majority of People with Death Sentences in Oklahoma
By Travis Handler
Latest Event
Kendrick Simpson's Clemency Hearing
Kendrick Simpson Clemency Hearing with the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 9:00 am. Mr. Simpson is scheduled for execution on February 12, 2026.
The clemency hearing is open to the public. You can attend in person or watch online via zoom. We highly encourage attendance in person as a show of support for Kendrick and his loved ones.
Attendance Information and Guidelines:
- Clemency hearings typically run a bit over two hours. Each side's counsel has 40 minutes, the victim's family has 20 minutes, and the person who is incarcerated has 20 minutes. The Pardon and Parole Board can ask questions and discuss before voting.
- Arrive early (15 minutes or more) to go through security and get a seat before the hearing begins.
- You should bring your ID with you to sign in.
- Cell phones are prohibited. You should not be on your phone or take any pictures during the hearing.
Zoom Information:
Web Address: https://doc-ok.zoomgov.com/j/1605301615
Webinar ID: 160 530 1615
Call: 1 669 254 5252 or +1 669 216 1590
For more info click here.
ACLU of Oklahoma Legal Team Files for Summary Judgment in Federal Challenge to OKC Anti-Panhandling Ordinance
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By Bryan Newell
Statements from ACLU of Oklahoma and Oklahomans for Health on Passing of Deadline to Protest Medical Marijuana Ballot Initiative
September 30, 2016OKLAHOMA CITY – At the close of the ten-day protest period on Thursday, there were no challenges seeking to invalidate any signatures collected by Oklahomans for Health in their effort to place Medical Marijuana on a ballot for Oklahoma voters. In response to the news that the final hurdle for the certification of signatures has been successfully cleared, meaning the question will appear on a ballot in the near future, the ACLU of Oklahoma and Oklahomans for Health released the following statements:Please attribute to Ryan Kiesel, Executive Director, ACLU of Oklahoma: “The more than 67,000 Oklahomans who signed the petition for medical marijuana will have their voices heard. The historic success of this grassroots effort led by Oklahomans for Health is a testament to the overwhelming support for medical marijuana. As a result, Oklahomans will have an opportunity to cast their ballot in favor of a modern, medically proven, and evidence based drug law, moving the State one step closer to sensible drug policy. In the meantime, we will continue our challenge to the Attorney General’s politicized and misleading re-write of the ballot title while working to ensure Oklahoma voters are able to decide this question as soon as possible.” Please attribute to Chip Paul, Co-Chair, Oklahomans for Health:“Oklahomans for health is excited that medical marijuana is one step closer to a vote of the people. This successful grassroots effort is a demonstration of how meaningful policy can be approached in a democratic society. We look forward to bringing this policy to a vote of the people in the very near future.”
By Bryan Newell
ACLU of Oklahoma Responds to Charges Against Tulsa Officer Involved in Killing of Terence Crutcher
By Bryan Newell
ACLU of Oklahoma Calls for Criminal Charges Against TPD Officers in Murder of Terence Crutcher
By Bryan Newell
ACLU of Oklahoma Requests Hearing to Contest Discrimination by Oklahoma Tax Commission
By requesting a formal hearing, the ACLU of Oklahoma and its client aim to present these arguments in detail and seek a reversal of the Tax Commission’s decision to deny Mr. Luttrell’s request. The Tax Commission must honor the tenets of free speech codified in the Oklahoma and United States Constitutions and allow Mr. Luttrell the opportunity to freely and fully express himself just like any other Oklahoman.
A copy of the ACLU’s Request for Hearing is attached here.
By Bryan Newell
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