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ACLU Freedom Files: "Youth Speak" Showcases Young People Who Stand Up for Their Rights (6/5/2006)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: media@aclu.org
NEW YORK - The ACLU
Freedom Files helps viewers get to know the everyday people whose rights are
threatened and shows the human side of our fight to protect civil liberties. The
"Youth Speak" episode, premiering this June, tells the stories of young people
who fought back when their rights were violated and highlights activists who are
working to protect the rights of their peers.
"I hear people say that young
people today are apathetic and not engaged in the issues of the
day," said American Civil Liberties
Union staff attorney Ben Wizner, who has represented some of the young people
profiled. "The 'Youth Speak' episode challenges this assumption and
features young people who are standing up for themselves."
"Youth
Speak," which airs on June 8 at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT on Link (satellite) TV and on
June 10 at noon EDT/PDT on Court TV, makes clear that young people have the same
rights as everyone else, but are often treated as if the Bill of Rights doesn't
apply to them. In many schools, for instance, students' writings are censored,
backpacks and lockers are searched without cause, and low-income students are
expected to learn in wretched conditions.
Aaron Peckham created
the slang Web site UrbanDictionary.com only to find that, under new legislation enacted by Congress but challenged by the ACLU,
he could be jailed or fined for the site's content. Now he's part of a lawsuit
to protect free speech on the Internet. In another story, eighth-grader
Anthony Latour posted his rap lyrics on the Internet as part of a competition
with another student and subsequently had his house searched by a SWAT team, was
arrested and was expelled from school. He battled the school's order on
First Amendment grounds, and was reinstated. Tired of the deplorable conditions
at her California high school, Alondra Jones joined forces with students across
the state and helped win a multimillion-dollar settlement aimed at improving
education. Highlighting these and other inspiring stories, "Youth Speak" shows
the power that young people have in a democracy.
Nationwide, local
groups are using The ACLU Freedom Files to start discussions, build awareness,
and take action. ACLU affiliates and outside groups are hosting viewing parties,
"talk-backs," and other innovative activities around the programs.
"Freedom Files shows how everyday people change the world," said
ACLU President Nadine Strossen. "The young men and women featured in this
episode are already leaders, fighting adult fights and improving our
democracy."
The ACLU and award-winning producer/director Robert
Greenwald (Outfoxed, Unconstitutional) teamed up to create The ACLU Freedom
Files, a series of 10 half-hour episodes. The series tells personal stories and
features well-known actors, comedians, activists, and the attorneys who bring
these stories before the courts. The show is produced and directed by Jeremy
Kagan. In addition to airing on Link TV and Court TV, the previously aired
episodes are available for free viewing at www.aclu.tv, and DVD copies of the shows can be
purchased on the Web site.
In late July, the collector's edition
two-disc set featuring this season's ten 30-minute episodes will be distributed
by The Disinformation Company and available in retail stores. The set will offer
subtitles in Spanish, Arabic, and closed captioning for the hearing
impaired.
For more information, visit www.aclu.tv
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