ACLU Calls on Americans to Take “The People’s Oath” and Pledge to Protect and Defend the Constitution

NEW YORK — Building on the sense of urgency and desire to take action that many Americans feel as we approach Donald J. Trump taking the Presidential Oath, the American Civil Liberties Union invites people to create their own oath to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution through its new campaign –The People’s Oath (peoplesoath.org) – launching this week to coincide with the 2017 Presidential Inauguration.

Starting Jan. 16, individuals are encouraged to go to peoplesoath.org to add their own ending to: I do solemnly swear to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States to ensure… for example, that I’m the only one who gets to decide what to do with my body or …that my Muslim-American brothers and sisters get the same rights I do. People’s Oath-takers can add their own photo or video to their oath, and then share it with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms, tagging each pledge with #PeoplesOath and @ACLU.

“As the 45th president takes the oath to affirm that he will, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, We the People will take the People's Oath to declare our commitment to core American values of justice and freedom,” said ACLU Project Director and Senior Attorney Dale Ho.

Since October 2016, the ACLU has experienced a record spike of more than 60 percent in membership – now at more than a million members and supporters. The People’s Oath is a platform for Americans who want to not only express themselves, but pledge to take action.

“The ACLU, throughout the course of almost a century, has been our nation’s chief defender of freedom and justice for all – no matter who’s in the White House,” said ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero. “The ACLU’s staff of litigators and activists in every state, thousands of volunteers, and thousands of card-carrying supporters are ready to fight against any encroachment on our cherished freedoms and rights.”

At peoplesoath.org, oath-takers use a digital oath generator to write their own oath or choose a pre-drafted one from a drop-down menu. They are then asked to add a photo, sign their oath, share it on social media, and add their name to a growing list of action takers. The oath generator works on mobile phones and desktop computers.

For more information, visit peoplesoath.org or follow #PeoplesOath and @ACLU.