News & Commentary
Ending Indefinite Solitary Confinement for the Vast Majority of People with Death Sentences in Oklahoma
By Travis Handler
Latest Event
Not in My Name Coalition Meeting
Every Oklahoman must ask themselves not whether they support the death penalty, but rather: Do I trust the government with the power to kill its citizens—especially after catastrophic failures in the recent past?
Oklahoma's criminal legal system has failed to protect the innocent, those with serious mental health conditions, and individuals who have suffered adverse childhoods from execution. We cannot allow this to continue! Capital Punishment is racist, arbitrary, costly, and error-prone. It is time to end the death penalty once and for all.
The mission of the Not in My Name Coalition is to raise awareness, educate, and mobilize individuals and groups to take a stand against the use of capital punishment in the state of Oklahoma. Through our efforts, we strive to foster a culture of empathy by validating the humanity of people incarcerated on death row and advocating for their fundamental rights. Together, we declare, Not in My Name: we stand against the ultimate and irreversible act of state-sanctioned violence. Join the fight to end the death penalty in Oklahoma by becoming part of the Not in My Name Coalition. As a member, you will be informed of local events and rallies, gain a space to organize, and join a network of dedicated individuals who are committed to the work alongside you. Sign up now!
The Public Healthcare Crisis in Oklahoma Jails
Oklahoma County Jail is just at the beginning of its COVID crisis. But it’s in an ongoing carceral crisis as well. We can’t talk about one without the other.
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New ACLU Report: Black People Still Almost Four Times More Likely to Get Arrested for Marijuana in Oklahoma
A Tale of Two Countries: Racially Targeted Arrests in the Era of Marijuana Reform Details Millions of Racially Targeted Marijuana Arrests Made Between 2010-2018
Freedom Oklahoma and the ACLU of Oklahoma Urge State, Local Leadership to Take Further Steps to Protect Resident
Freedom Oklahoma and the ACLU of Oklahoma released recommendations that the Oklahoma City government, State officials, and policymakers across Oklahoma must consider to achieve a fair and effective response to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Oklahoma City Municipal Judicial Order
Thank you to the Oklahoma City Municipal Judicial leadership for an urgent response to COVID-19 that centers the public health of everyone who is a part of the legal system, especially those currently detained. We hope this will serve as a model to other Oklahoma municipalities and jurisdictions during this pandemic.
Urgent Action Needed to Protect Individuals in Oklahoma's Prisons and Jails from Coronavirus-19 Pandemic
The ACLU will be watching closely to make sure the government's response is scientifically justified and no more intrusive on civil liberties than absolutely necessary. This includes keeping an eye on people in prisons and jails, who are especially vulnerable to outbreaks of contagious illnesses because they are housed in close quarters, with limited resources, and are often in poor health.
It’s Clear: In Oklahoma Cash Bail is Being Used as Ransom to Keep People Who Are Poor Behind Bars
In Canadian County, Oklahoma if you have the money, you get out of jail. If you are poor, you stay in. That’s why we sued.
If State Question 780 is Retroactive, Why Are Only Half of Eligible Oklahomans Being Released?
When Governor Kevin Stitt talks about being a top 10 state, a lot of folks envision a day like Friday, when Oklahoma is set to make history with the largest single-day of commutations in the history of the United States. But I believe when the Governor talks about giving the voters big, meaningful change that centers on best practices rather than politics, as usual, Oklahoma could do more. The Pardon and Parole Board has a chance to give the voters what they’ve asked for, and ensure that all 900 people serving time in prison for charges that today would carry no prison time have a chance at relief. But instead, reporting suggests less than half of the eligible folks will get the chance to return home.
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