Criminal Law Reform

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

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.

Childhood photos of Kendrick Simpson

More from the Press


Placeholder image

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

Why the Fight for Trans Rights Never Gets Easier – or Less Vital

For decades the trans community has successfully fought partisan politicians who attempt to discriminate against or endanger their lives. Today, facing new challenges to gender-affirming care, the never-ending battle for trans rights has become even more fraught.

Marsha P. Johnson, transgender activist

Three Ways the Media Introduces Bias to the Immigration Debate

Ahead of the election, we examined how political ads and news media stories depict the immigration debate as more negative than it may be.

Anti-demonization of immigrants demonstrators hold signs that reads 'NO ONE CHOOSES TO BE A REFUGEE' 'STOP DEMONIZING HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS' 'ACCUSING IMMIGRANTS OF EATING PETS IS AN OLD RACIST LIE.

The Drag Queens Helping You Vote

On tour with the ACLU’s Know Your Rights bus tour, drag queens and other artists from Philadelphia and Detroit helped audiences test their knowledge of democracy.

Tiffany Uma Mascara, Gen Z. VinChelle, Ajour “Di” Hargrove and W. Kamau Bell.

How Border Policing Harms Undocumented People Seeking Abortion Care

The ACLU’s latest report outlines how interior immigration checkpoints and anti-immigrant state policing trap noncitizens trying to leave Texas for abortion care.

A U.S. border patrol agent.

Know Your Rights Game Show: Home Edition!

How well do you know your rights? Test your knowledge when you play the online version of our Bus Tour’s Know Your Rights Game Show quiz.

A graphic that says know your rights bus tour with question marks around the text.

The Supreme Court Case on Trans Health Care, Explained.

The court will soon hear a landmark legal challenge brought by the ACLU against a ban on hormone therapies for transgender youth.

A shirtless demonstrator (wearing glasses and a black surgical mask) holds up a sign that reads" GENDER AFFIRMING CARE IS HEALTHCARE".

What Happens when the Legislative Session Ends

Have you ever wondered what happens at the State Capitol when legislative session is over? Every fall, from mid-September to mid-October, our lawmakers conduct interim studies.

By Cindy Nguyen

Individuals in a group holding ACLU-branded signs saying "We the People," and "You Can't Legislate Away Our Existence."

What Kamala Harris Must Do to End Abuse in the Criminal Legal System

As a former prosecutor, Harris should understand that the executive branch has tremendous power to work to end mass incarceration, abolish the death penalty, and stop unlawful racial profiling.

A graphic featuring Harris and imagery pertaining to the criminal legal system.

Project 2025 Offers Dystopian View of America

The ACLU is fighting back against this extremist proposal by the Heritage Foundation.

A graphic featuring a crowd of people demonstrating and the Preamble to the United States Constitution.