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


Art as Activism: Annual Meeting and Angie Debo Award

The ACLU of Oklahoma Board of Directors and staff invite you to join us at our Annual Membership Meeting and Angie Debo Award Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 1 – 3 p.m. at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.

The American Civil Liberties Union understands that creative industries have the unparalleled ability to ignite conversation, fuel action, and inspire people to stand up for what matters. Artists are moving people and igniting change in profound and lasting ways – they are fighting for freedom and the recognition of shared humanity.

We invite you to join us on May 2, 2026, as we feature an ensemble of trailblazing Oklahoma artists speaking on Art as Activism. Panelists will include Denise Duong, Tony Thunder, and Carlos Barboza. The moderator for the panel is renown screenwriter, novelist, film producer, and arts advocate, Melissa Scaramucci.

Annual Meeting attendees will each receive one limited-edition print from artwork contributions the panelists have made to the ACLU of Oklahoma.

We will also present this year's Angie Debo Award and give an update on the state of civil liberties and civil rights in Oklahoma.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required as seating is limited. We look forward to seeing you there!

This event is made possible by Paycom, whose generosity helps bring our community together.

Black background with hot pink picture of Angie Debo

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.

The Liberating Truth About Juneteenth

As we celebrate Juneteenth, let’s remember exactly what we are celebrating, and why.

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Trans Joy Is Most Necessary When It Feels the Most Impossible

When forces larger than us try to break our spirit, we can respond as forcefully and effectively with joy as we can with anger, defiance, and protest.

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Captive Labor: Exploitation of Incarcerated Workers

We examined the injustices of prison labor nationwide — and lay the foundation for a more equitable path forward.

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How the Impact of Bostock v. Clayton County on LGBTQ Rights Continues to Expand

The effects of this landmark Supreme Court victory are amplified in states, federal agencies, and courtrooms throughout the U.S.

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How ICE Sidesteps the Law to Find and Deport People

A new report documents data sharing between local jails and LexisNexis, enabling deportation to continue even in sanctuary cities and states.

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What if Algorithms Worked For Accused People, Instead of Against Them?

We created an algorithmic tool to find out what risks the criminal legal system poses to the people entering it, rather than their risk to "public safety."

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Using Cyanide Gas in Executions is an Affront to Jewish Values

Arizona’s use of Zyklon B should shock the conscience of all Americans.

A photo of a prison gas chamber.

The Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Policing is a Foundation to Build Upon

Two years after the murder of George Floyd, a new executive order on police reform offers a starting place, but does not go far enough.

Protesters holding signs depicting George Floyd.

From Japanese American Incarceration to the China Initiative, Discrimination Against AAPI Communities Must End

Our institutions and our country must live up to our American ideals and values, and stop the cycle of profiling and discrimination.

Woman holds a sign stating “Stop AAPI Hate.”