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NYCLU | Issues

In 1972 the NYCLU filed a historic civil rights lawsuit to challenge the inhumane institutional conditions suffered by the residents of the infamous Willowbrook State School. Thirty years later the NYCLU and other advocates still actively monitor the implementation of the remedy that emerged from that case. The NYCLU also engages in advocacy for the development of community-based services as a means to advance civil liberties for people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

Please explore below to learn about the NYCLU’s work to ensure that all persons receive equal treatment from the government, employers, correctional facilities and educational institutions.

News Items and Releases  (see all)



September 3, 2008 - NYC DOE Harassment Regulations an Important First Step, but More is Needed to Protect Students

July 11, 2008 - Advocates: Autopsy Does Not Answer All the Questions Around Kings County Hospital Death

July 8, 2008 - Advocates Warn that Kings County Hospital Problems Remain Severe

Court Cases  (see all)



Mental Hygiene Legal Services v. NYC HHC (Challenge to Squalid Conditions, Abuse at Brooklyn's Kings County Hospital Center)

New York State Association for Retarded Children v. Pataki ("Willowbrook Case": Monitoring and Enforcing Injunction)

Matter of Martin

Publications  (see all)



Booklet: Civil Liberties at Work (2003)

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