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Last updated on July 27, 2007

The Genesee Valley Chapter is the local arm of the New York Civil Liberties Union, New York's affiliate of the ACLU. We are one of the nation's foremost independent and non-partisan defenders of constitutional liberties. We educate, advocate, and when necessary litigate to protect every New Yorker's rights. A non-profit orgainization we are located in downtown Rochester, New York. Visit our web site at www.nyclu.org or the national website www.aclu.org.

Description:
Most of our callers are ordinary people who have experienced an injustice and have decided to fight back. An employee discriminated against because of gender, physical ability or religion. A high school student unable to read a controversial book because it has been removed from the library. A gay couple denied the right to adopt a child because of their sexual orientation. A motorist stopped by police based on a racially biased profile. Volunteers help by providing information for self-advocacy or referrals to other agencies. The ACLU only accepts cases for litigation that involve a government agency or agent.

History:
The ACLU was involved in some of the most celebrated legal cases of 20th century. Founded by civil liberties advocate Roger Baldwin and other social reformers during World War I who sought amnesty for citizens who refused to participate in military combat for moral reasons (conscientious objectors). One of the most well known ACLU test cases took place in 1925 when Clarence Darrow defended evolution teacher John Scopes in Tennessee v. John Scopes (The Monkey Trial). In 1932 the ACLU won a landmark ruling on book censorship after James Joyce's ULYSSES was banned as obscene. In the legal battle against segregation, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, the ACLU filed as a friend of the court. Roe v. Wade was another landmark victory for the ACLU and the list goes on. During the last decade the ACLU has focused on the rights of children; gays and lesbians; women; prisoners; and immigrants as well as educational reform; national security; and privacy and technology.

Contact person: Gary Pudup, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (585) 454-0516

Address:

121 North Fitzhugh Street Rochester, NY 14614-1222 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.gvclu.org

Directions:

North Fitzhugh between Church and Allen streets. Two blocks north of Main street. Just past City Hall and across the street. The Office is located in the Downtown United Presbyterian Church.   Nearest Bus Stop: Main at Fitzhugh, 5 minute walk

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