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.
On Trans Day of Remembrance, My Grief is My Power
As the trans community remembers those we’ve lost, I find strength in understanding why the grievous injustices that continue to harm our community must be stopped.
Biden Must Use Final Months in Office to Commute Federal Death Sentences
In our series on how Biden can use the lame duck period to secure civil liberties and civil rights, we examine how Biden can combat President-elect Trump’s plans to greatly expand the death penalty and execute every person on the federal row.
Donald Trump Will Return to the White House in January. The ACLU is Ready.
Starting in 2016, the ACLU filed more than 400 legal actions against Trump and his administration. As Trump returns to the White House, we’re ready to return to the courts and Congress to fight for our civil liberties.
How the ACLU Will Fight Four More Years of Trump
During the first Donald Trump administration, the ACLU fought his unlawful policies more than 400 times. We’re even more prepared now.
We're Fighting for our Freedoms -- No Matter Who is President
How we respond to the election outcome is as important as who wins the White House.
Anti-Immigrant Extremists Want to Use this 226-Year-Old Law to Implement a Mass Deportation Program
The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 was used to justify World War II-era internment of noncitizens, and now Donald Trump is threatening to invoke the law to target immigrant communities
Three Ways the ACLU is Protecting Our Right Vote
Less than two weeks before Election Day, the ACLU is in the courts and in communities fighting for increased access to the ballot for all eligible voters.
Stay Informed
Sign up to be the first to hear about how to take action.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.