The following statement is adapted from a framework developed by Ira Glasser, former ACLU National Executive Director.

The government of the United States is built on two counter balancing principles:
(1)The majority rules through democratic elections

(2) Protection from attempts by the majority to limit the rights granted to individuals by the Bill of Rights. The fundamental values of individual liberty are:

FIRST AMENDMENT: The rights of free speech; free association and assembly; freedom of the press; and freedom of religion including the separation of church and state.

EQUAL PROTECTION: The right to be treated equally and not be discriminated against based on race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability.

DUE PROCESS: The right to be treated fairly, including fair procedures when facing accusations of criminal misconduct or other serious accusations that can lead to loss of employment, exclusion from school, denial of housing or other punitive measures taken BY THE GOVERNMENT.

PRIVACY: The right to a zone of personal privacy and autonomy.

CIVIL RIGHTS: The extension of the rights described above to groups that are still fighting for the full protection of the Bill of Rights, including women; immigrants; the poor; people of color; gay, lesbian and bisexual people; religious minorities; people with disabilities; etc.

Return to Home Page