Press & News
The Public’s Radio — ACLU represents beach access advocate sued by Weekapaug Fire District
By Alex Nunes — The Rhode Island ACLU says the fire district’s lawsuit is targeting a Westerly resident fighting for a public shoreline right-of-way in a move to discourage public participation in the dispute.
The Public’s Radio — Stern warning from R.I. ACLU prompts changes to Weekapaug Fire District website
By Alex Nunes — The Westerly-based fire district, a taxing entity with government authorities but no fire department, had blocked information on its website from public view.
ecoRI News — Brief Supports Overturning Ruling that OK'd Expansion of Controversial Block Island Marina
Interceding in a case raising significant issues involving government transparency in environmental disputes, four organizations recently filed a “friend of the court” brief in Rhode Island Supreme Court in a long-standing controversy involving the proposed expansion of Champlin’s Marina & Resort on Block Island.
The Independent — Judge tosses policy limiting voters in Bonnet Shores FD
By Ryan Blessing — A Superior Court judge this week ruled against a Bonnet Shores Fire District policy that prevents residents who own less than $400 of property in the district from voting in its elections…
Save the Bay — Save the Bay, ACLU of Rhode Island, RISAA and Common Cause Rhode Island File “FRIEND OF THE COURT” Brief
Interceding in a case raising significant issues involving government transparency in environmental disputes, Save The Bay, the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and Foundation, and Common Cause Rhode Island today filed a “friend of the court” (amicus curiae) brief in the Rhode Island Supreme Court in a long-standing controversy involving the proposed expansion of Champlin’s Marina on Block Island.
Boston Globe — R.I. judge says beachfront fire district unconstitutionally restricted voting
By Brian Amaral — A Rhode Island shoreline fire district can’t restrict voting in its elections solely to people who own property, including beach cabanas, a state judge ruled Thursday in a decision hailed by civil rights advocates as a major win for the right to cast a ballot.
Boston.com — How a confrontation on a Rhode Island beach led to a libel lawsuit — and involvement from the ACLU
By Christopher Gavin — A summertime confrontation on a Rhode Island beach has continued on even long after the warm weather left the Ocean State’s adored coastline.
Boston Globe — In the Ocean State, a legal dispute centers on voting rights and beach cabanas
By Edward Fitzpatrick — The ACLU blasts Bonnet Shores Fire District for limiting voting rights to those who own more than $400 worth of property
Uprise RI — You must own property to vote in this Rhode Island fire district’s elections
By Steve Ahlquist — “Until every one of our local governments are elected by the people they serve, our work is not done” said ACLU of RI cooperating attorney James Rhodes. “Participation in free and fair elections, whether it be for president, state legislature or local fire district, is the cornerstone of our democracy.”