News & Commentary

Micah Kubic, executive director of ACLU of Kansas, responded to the Legislature’s votes by noting the organization wasn’t without resources to counter the unconstitutional congressional map and make certain fair maps were implemented and voting rights shielded.

TOPEKA — Lawmakers in the Kansas House began laying the groundwork last week for redirecting taxpayer money from public to private schools by holding a two-hour hearing on complaints two parents have with diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Civil rights advocates are urging Kansas lawmakers to pass legislation that would prohibit shackling youth during court hearings unless a judge determines they must be restrained.

TOPEKA — Kansas legal leaders and juvenile justice advocates are backing a bill to end the use of restraints on a juvenile during court hearings, which they referred to as an unnecessary and humiliating practice.

TOPEKA — Advocates of Kansas House legislation imposing a prohibition on no-knock search warrants by law enforcement officers Monday triggered indignation and rebukes from legislators with professional experience as investigators, attorneys and judges in Kansas.

Sharon Brett, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said outdated state laws are common, but anti-LGBTQ laws send a message to people that they aren’t welcomed in the state. “It’s a deliberate decision not to amend the code,” Brett said.

“We ask committee leadership to rethink the course of their actions,” Mark McCormick, ACLU, said. “Slow down the process. Allow for a reasonable amount of time for public comment. Provide all information on maps publicly. We have a long process ahead of us. We have time to do it right.”

A United States District Court has ruled that the ACLU of Kansas and the Kansas Appleseed can move forward with its lawsuit against the City of Wichita regarding police use of a "gang list."

Brandy Carlson has a lot to be nervous about.