Economic Justice

The ACLU of Southern California seeks a society where all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can thrive and have their rights respected and live with dignity. Currently, our work focuses on ending the criminalization of poverty in California and ensuring Californians have their basic needs met with respect to housing and access to healthcare

A police officer standing next to a group of tents to the side of a freeway on-ramp

Economic and racial justice are civil and human rights. These rights are essential to meaningful participation on an individual level and to true freedom and equality on a societal level.

The ACLU of Southern California fights to protect some of society's most economically vulnerable residents, including low-income students, unhoused people, and low-paid workers seeking equitable working conditions and living wages. We advocate for systemic reforms to guarantee that all individuals can thrive, have their rights respected, and live with dignity, centering the experiences of Black, brown and poor community members who have long been denied equitable opportunity.

Our work concentrates on ending the criminalization of poverty and houselessness, expanding access to housing, ensuring Californians have their basic human needs met and repairing the current and historic harms wrought by race-based segregation, discrimination and deprivation of economic opportunities.

The Latest

News & Commentary
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Budget Justice 101: Why the ACLU Cares About Government Budgets – and You Should Too!

You can make an impact on how your tax dollars are spent by advocating for budget justice in your community.
Press Release
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ACLU Sues L.A. Public Housing Authority for Violating Public Records Act

Press Release
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ACLU Statement Condemns Newsom’s Call to Ban Encampments

Issue Areas: Economic Justice
Know Your Rights
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Public Safety Administrative Citations in the City of Lancaster

Following a legal settlement with the City of Lancaster, your rights could be impacted if you are ticketed.
Campaign
Apr 2022

Re-Envisioning Public Safety in Riverside County

Campaign
Apr 2019

Students Experiencing Homelessness

Campaign
Mar 2019

Abuse and Neglect in Orange County Emergency Shelters

Campaign
Mar 2018

Schools and Communities First