ACLU of Hawai‘i Announces Hilo Civil Liberties Symposium

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i (ACLU) will host a free Civil Liberties Symposium in Hilo on Saturday, Oct. 7, 1-4 p.m. at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Campus Center 301. The event is open to the public.

The symposium is designed to bring the community together to discuss effective resistance to government threats to civil rights in Hawai‘i and the nation around central themes of immigration and mass incarceration.

Workshops for activists will offer the latest developments and discussion by ACLU of Hawai’i staff and special community guests on issues including:

Hawai‘iʻs overcrowded jails and broken bail system

Defending immigrants and refugees against racist, religiously intolerant government policies

Protecting free speech and the right to protest in an age of mass demonstration

“The ACLU is presenting these statewide symposiums as a community service to spark critical conversations and broaden support for the emergence of all voices determined to protect Hawaii’s core values,” said ACLU Executive Director Vanessa Chong. “The ACLU’s role is to keep the government honest in its protection of our fundamental freedoms. We want the community to learn how each person can be their own best advocate so the government will think twice about violating your rights. We promise a day of thought-provoking information and ways you can engage that can have a powerful effect on your life and your community. We are also excited that several key community leaders who have made a bold stand for Hawai‘i as a place of inclusion will be joining the conversation.”

All venues are ADA accessible. For RSVP deadlines, ticketing, and to request special accommodation, go online, call (808) 522-5906 or email [email protected]. This event is not affiliated with or sponsored by the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.

The mission of the ACLU of Hawai‘i is to protect the civil liberties contained in the state and federal constitutions through litigation, legislative and public education programs statewide. The ACLU is funded primarily through private donations and offers its services at no cost to the public. The ACLU does not accept any government funds.