Civil Liberties Defense Center

The Civil Liberties Defense Center supports movements that seek to dismantle the political and economic structures at the root of social inequality and environmental destruction. We provide litigation, education, legal and strategic resources to strengthen and embolden their success.

CLDC defends front line activists, pursues civil rights litigation, and educates people about their rights and how to use them in order to expose and confront the persistent erosion of our civil liberties and the Bill of Rights. We believe knowledge is power, and that when people have the tools and understanding to take action and demand that the government honor all their rights, grassroots activism has a stronger chance of exacting the change necessary for building a more sustainable and just world.

CLDC’s Justice in Action and Dissent & Democracy programs bring a multi-pronged approach to achieving the goals set forth by our mission. By utilizing education, and when necessary, the courts, the Civil Liberties Defense Center both proactively and reactively challenges governmental attacks on our liberties and rights.