Rights This Way

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Nov 2026

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Rights This Way is a podcast from the New York Civil Liberties Union (the ACLU of New York State) focused on the civil rights and liberties issues that impact New Yorkers most. Through interviews and lively conversations with experts inside and outside the NYCLU, we discuss the legal and policy implications of some of the most important issues facing our state. ‎ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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November 5, 202648 min

How Police Hoard Our DNA in Rogue Databases

Over more than a decade, the NYPD has collected the genetic material of 34,000 people – generally without their consent – in its rogue, illegal DNA database. The people ensnared in this database are often innocent, never charged with or convicted of a crime. And as technology advances, there’s no telling what law enforcement will be able to know about people whose DNA is swept up in these kinds of databases. How does the NYPD get away with this? What are the dangers of DNA databases, and what can we do to rein them in? On this episode, we speak with Professor Erin Murphy, who has literally written the book on the dangers of forensic DNA testing. And we also speak with an NYCLU lawyer who breaks down what the NYPD and other law enforcement agencies are doing with our DNA in New York and what we can do about it. Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to Rights This Way, it will help more people find this podcast. In this episode, you'll hear: 00:00 Intro 2:05 What is forensic DNA testing? 5:28 The dangers of DNA databases 8:16 The NYPD's rogue DNA database 12:13 What DNA database supporters say 17:15 How the NYPD defends its database 20:20 What police can learn from your DNA 27:56 Wouldn't this make us safer? 33:07 Is "abandoned" DNA fair game? 35:25 Forensic genetic genealogy in New York 39:45 What New York can learn from Maryland 41:33 Why this affects everyone 44:47 How to take action Resources: More on Erin Murphy and her book: https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.overview&personid=31567 More on the NYPD’s rogue database: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/how-the-nypds-rogue-dna-database-ensnares-innocent-new-yorkers The NYCLU’s amicus brief challenging the NYPD’s database: https://www.nyclu.org/uploads/2026/08/2026-07-30-Amicus-dckt-52_0.pdf For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts Follow NYCLU on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Bluesky . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 22, 202630 min

How Do We Put the Brakes on Flock and License Plate Readers?

There is burgeoning and justified nationwide outrage over automatic license plate readers, or ALPRs. These ubiquitous and invasive devices are singlehandedly destroying any notion we may have of personal privacy. ALPRs capture the movements of millions of innocent New Yorkers every day. They build detailed location records, revealing where we go to work, whom we meet, which health care providers we visit, which places of worship we frequent, and which protests we attend. On this episode, we talk to two experts about how license plate readers work, what makes them so dangerous, and about state and nationwide efforts to put much needed guardrails around their use. Please download, rate, review and subscribe to rights this way. It will help more people find this podcast. In this episode, you'll hear: 00:00 Intro 02:05 What are ALPRs and how do they work? 04:20 Why ALPRs are dangerous 06:20 How Flock scaled up surveillance 08:10 A nationwide backlash grows 10:45 Why left and right both oppose ALPRs 14:00 Who's still defending ALPRs? 16:45 Do ALPRs make us safer? 20:50 NYCLU's lawsuits in Westchester and Scarsdale 23:25 Bans and guardrails nationwide 26:00 New York's ALPR bill and the Troy win 28:20 How to get involved Resources: Get license plate readers out of New York: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/demand-alpr-guardrails-new-york ALPR campaign page: https://www.nyclu.org/resources/campaigns-actions/campaigns/get-alprs-out-of-new-york ALPR blog: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/how-license-plate-readers-track-your-every-move Westchester lawsuit: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/westchester-police-are-tracking-millions-of-drivers ACLU’s ALPR toolkit: https://www.aclu.org/get-the-flock-out-toolkit For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts Follow NYCLU on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Bluesky . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 1, 202627 min

Kicking This Anti-Protest NYPD Unit to the Curb with Walter Masterson

With Donald Trump waging war on free speech and ICE officers killing people in broad daylight, our right to protest is more important than ever. But too often when New Yorkers take to the streets to speak out, they are met with NYPD violence. Often, the officers leading the anti-protest charge are part of the NYPD's notoriously brutal Strategic Response Group, or "the SRG." The SRG's training specifically names anti-Trump demonstrators, the Black Lives Matter movement, and Occupy Wall Street as examples of "violent" protesters. The unit's members have demonstrated a clear pattern of targeting people of color, using excessive force, and generating higher rates of misconduct complaints compared to other officers. On this episode, we discuss the SRG with comedian and political satirist Walter Masterson. And we also get into the history of the unit and legislation designed to curtail the SRG’s violence with NYCLU expert and organizer Isabelle Leyva. Please download, rate, review and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast. In this episode, you'll hear: 00:00 Intro 02:18 What is the NYPD's Strategic Response Group? 04:14 SRG training that targets racial justice and left-wing protesters 05:13 How Walter got involved in the campaign against the SRG 07:10 Walter's run-ins with the SRG at protests 09:22 What Isabelle has seen the SRG do on the streets 12:33 Walter's satirical testimony at City Council 16:15 How lawmakers react to the testimony 19:42 What the CURB Act would do 21:58 Where the CURB Act stands and what's blocking it 23:56 How listeners can help pass the CURB Act Resources: Follow Walter on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@waltermasterson?lang=en Sign up for our anti-SRG campaign: nyclu.org/srg-signup Tell Council Members to support the CURB Act: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/curb-nypd-abuse-protesters Learn more about the SRG: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/new-yorkers-right-to-protest-is-under-attack-heres-how-a-new-bill-can-protect-it More on the buffer zone legislation that Walter mentions: https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/inside-the-struggle-against-anti-protest-buffer-zone-laws For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts Follow NYCLU on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Bluesky . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 17, 202630 min

Why Prison Visits Make Families Stronger and Communities Safer

The impact of a person’s incarceration reaches far beyond the confines of their cell. Children lose parents. Families lose a breadwinner and struggle to meet their needs. Businesses lose workers. Humane treatment that respects the rights and dignity of incarcerated people and prepares them to re-enter society, benefits both incarcerated people and their communities. On this episode, we speak to a New Yorker with personal experience visiting a family member who was incarcerated. He explains why in-person visits are so important and why a bill recently passed by the state legislature would help families like his. And we also talk to an NYCLU expert about this legislation and several other bills designed to improve conditions for incarcerated New Yorkers and their loved ones. Please download, rate review and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast. In this episode, you'll hear: 00:00 Intro 02:03 The Protect In-Person Visits Bill 05:58 Elijah's story: visiting his stepfather in prison 12:31 The Tampons Aren't Contraband Act 17:46 The Visiting Rights Bill 20:02 Commissary prices 24:19 The anti-shackling bill 26:34 How to support these bills 30:04 Wrap-up Resources: Tell Hochul to sign the bills we discuss on this episode: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/protect-rights-incarcerated-and-detained-new-yorkers Take action to protect in-person visits and find resources for children of incarcerated parents: https://www.susu-osborne.org/protect-visiting Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities impacted by the criminal legal system: https://www.osborneny.org Learn more about the prison conditions legislation we mention: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/why-these-bills-to-improve-prison-conditions-should-matter-to-all-of-us For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts Follow NYCLU on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Bluesky . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 27, 202631 min

How AI is Invading NYC Schools

AI is everywhere, including in our schools. But what does the rapid deployment of AI mean for the 900,000 students in New York City’s public schools? What are the guardrails in place for its use? What are the dangers of AI? What are the everyday changes taking place because of its implementation? Earlier this year the New York City Department of Education (DOE) rolled out guidance for the use of AI. The backlash from students, parents and pretty much everyone was so severe that in June, the DOE postponed their planned rollout of an AI "Playbook," which would have been a more comprehensive version of the "guidance." This postponement was a win for the movement to rein in AI use in schools and it’s a clear example of the high-stakes around this contentious issue. On this episode, we’re joined by students from the NYCLU’s Teen Activist Project, who have first-hand experience with how AI is being used in their classrooms. We ask them about how AI is used in their schools, their concerns about the technology, what needs to change about the use of AI in schools, and a lot more. Please, download, rate, review, and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast. In this episode, you'll hear: 0:00 Intro 02:10 How students feel about AI in schools 04:20 What’s wrong with the DOE’s AI guidance? 06:30 How AI is already showing up in classrooms 08:00 Why some schools don’t need AI 09:50 Student surveillance: GoGuardian and Smart Pass 13:20 The biggest problem: lack of transparency 16:10 AI, cheating, and the loss of foundational skills 20:20 What happens if AI takes over education? 23:10 The $57,000 AI teacher 26:50 What should a better AI policy look like? 30:30 Outro Resources: More on the spying powers of GoGuardian: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/software-could-be-spying-nyc-students More on the creepy hall pass technology SmartPass: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/why-is-my-school-tracking-me-when-i-use-the-bathroom For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts Follow NYCLU on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Bluesky . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 16, 202623 min

Keeping ICE Out of the World Cup with Paola Mendoza

The World Cup is supposed to be a time when billions of people across the planet join together to celebrate their love for the global game of soccer. It’s a moment for people of different ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities to celebrate what brings them closer, and to enjoy the world’s most popular sport. But President Trump has other ideas. He used the World Cup to bully, divide, spread fear in immigrant communities, and even demand special treatment from the tournament’s governing body. On this episode, we speak with Paola Mendoza, filmmaker, author of the books Sanctuary and Solis, and one of the organizers of the No ICE in the Cup campaign. The campaign is a national call to action demanding the World Cup remain joyful, safe and secure for all to enjoy. No ICE in the Cup also makes clear that ICE – that’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – has no place near the World Cup festivities. Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast. In this episode, you'll hear: (0:00) Intro (2:24) What is No ICE in the Cup? (4:39) The need for No ICE in the Cup (7:43) Trump’s threats to the World Cup (8:42) No ICE in the Cup’s work with small businesses (9:36) How the World Cup revitalized immigrant pride (13:55) No ICE in the Cup artworks (15:50) No ICE in the Cup community soccer tournaments (17:11) The power of joy and community in organizing (21:20) Paola’s books and how to stay in touch Resources: No ICE in the Cup campaign page: https://noiceinthecup.us/ Follow Paola @PaolaMendoza and her website: https://iampaolamendoza.com/artist/ Paola’s books Sanctuary and Solis: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/610887/sanctuary-by-paola-mendoza-and-abby-sher/ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707297/solis-by-paola-mendoza-and-abby-sher/ Previous episode on politics in sports: https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/trans-athletes-trump-and-the-right-to-play-sports For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts Follow NYCLU on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Bluesky . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 2, 202626 min

Inside the Struggle Against Anti-Protest ‘Buffer Zone’ Laws

After months of backroom dealing, Gov. Hochul touted what she called her “buffer zone legislation” which threatens to chill protest and other forms of free speech near houses of worship. While the bill that finally passed isn’t as bad as the Governor’s initial proposal, it is still needless, dangerous, and an affront to our democracy. On this episode, we discuss this so-called buffer zone legislation and what it does, what it doesn’t do, and how it could impact New Yorkers’ ability to speak out. We also talk about an ongoing NYCLU lawsuit against Long Island’s Nassau County, where an even worse, more aggressive anti-protest zone law is stifling the speech of New Yorkers. Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast. NOTE: After we recorded, the New York City Council passed the modified anti-protest zone bill related to educational facilities that Naila talks about in this episode. In this episode, you'll hear: (00:10) Intro (2:14) What are buffer zone bills? (5:16) The New York State law (7:54) Local buffer zone bills (9:47) Why Nassau County’s buffer zone law is especially aggressive (13:26) NYCLU’s lawsuit against Nassau County (16:48) New York City buffer zones? (22:14) The truth about buffer zone laws (22:47) CTA: Contact your lawmakers Resources: New York’s so-called ‘buffer zone law’ explained: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/nys-buffer-zone-law-doesnt-create-protest-free-areas-but-it-could-still-chill-speech More info on NYC’s previous version of the ‘buffer zone’ legislation: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/buffer-zones-only-limit-free-speech Tell the NYC Council to vote ‘no’! on buffer zones: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-nyc-council-say-no-no-speech-zones For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts Follow NYCLU on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Bluesky . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 11, 202646 min

How to Make Universal Child Care a Reality with Mamdani’s Child Care Czar

Today’s soaring cost of living and staggering wealth inequality cast a spotlight on the longstanding need for universal child care. Too many families find themselves in an impossible bind: They can’t afford to lose the wages they need to make ends meet, but they also can’t afford to pay for the child care that allows them to go to work. On this episode, we speak with Emmy Liss, Mayor Mamdani’s head of the Office of Child Care. She is at the forefront of the city’s efforts to make the dream of universal child care a reality. We also talk to two NYCLU experts who explain why universal child care is both a gender and racial justice issue. And they also break down another issue – paid medical leave – which is intimately tied to who can and can’t afford to raise a family in New York. Editor’s note : We recorded this podcast before this year’s New York State legislative session ended. The State Assembly failed to pass paid medical leave reform, but you should still contact your state legislators and urge them to pass it next year. Please download, rate, review and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast. In this episode, you'll hear: (00:43) Intro (02:04) Emmy’s Background (05:23) What is universal childcare? (05:55) Mamdani’s milestones on universal childcare (10:00) Challenges for universal childcare (11:11) Racial and gender justice in universal childcare (13:51) Childcare is a market failure (18:24) NYC’s investments in childcare (19:31) Next steps for childcare (21:46) What does universal childcare mean and why is it important? (24:55) What is paid medical leave? (27:57) Why is paid medical leave important? (30:50) Why universal childcare is a gender and racial justice issue (36:33) The punitive family regulation system (38:24) What paid medical leave looks like (41:51) What universal childcare looks like Resources: Our universal child care and paid medical leave blog: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/why-universal-child-care-is-a-gender-and-racial-justice-issue To find licensed child care providers in New York City: nyc.gov/childcare To apply for a child care seat: Myschools.nyc NY State universal child care coalition: https://empirestatechildcare.org/new-york-state-child-care-for-all/ For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts Follow NYCLU on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Bluesky . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 12, 202641 min

What’s Causing New York’s Lead Crisis? With Shannon Burkett

Lead is in the walls and water of an untold number of places New Yorkers live, go to school, work, and visit. Its life-altering impacts pose a potential danger to everyone in our state, but lead poisoning disproportionately affects Black and Brown New Yorkers. Thousands of people’s lives are impacted by lead poisoning, but our state and local governments aren’t doing nearly enough to combat it. On this episode, we speak with Shannon Burkett, an award-winning actor, writer, producer, and nurse who created the podcast “Lead: How This Story Ends is Up to Us,” which tells the true story of her family’s experience with lead poisoning. We also talk with Lanessa Owens-Chaplin, the Director of the NYCLU’s Racial Justice Project about an ongoing lead water crisis in Syracuse and about what we can do to prevent lead poisoning in New York. Please download, rate review and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast. Resources: Listen to Shannon’s podcast: "Lead: How This Story Ends Is Up To Us" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-how-this-story-ends-is-up-to-us/id1808995949 More on the Lead Pipe Replacement Act: https://www.nyclu.org/resources/policy/one-pagers/ensure-safe-drinking-water-for-all-new-yorkers More on Syracuse’s lead crisis https://www.nyclu.org/resources/policy/one-pagers/syracuse-is-ignoring-its-lead-water-crisis Fight the lead crisis in Syracuse: https://action.aclu.org/petition/fix-lead-crisis-syracuse Follow Shannon @endleadpoisoning: endleadpoisoning.org For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts Follow NYCLU on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Bluesky . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 23, 202645 min

Mamdani, Hochul and the Future of New York with Christina Greer

Perhaps no dynamic defines politics in New York State and New York City in 2026 more than the relationship between Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The Mayor needs the Governor’s help to accomplish many of the key pillars of his agenda, and the two have already signaled clear areas of agreement and key points of friction. On this episode, we discuss the promise and potential pitfalls of this relationship with Christina Greer, who understands New York politics as well as anyone. She is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Fordham University and the co-host of the popular podcast FAQ NYC. And we also speak with NYCLU Assistant Director of Policy Michael Sisitzky who explains some of the top civil rights issues that Hochul and Mamdani must reckon with. Please, download, rate, review, and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast. Resources: Listen to Christina's podcast, FAQ NYC: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faq-nyc/id1422065980 NYCLU Mayoral Agenda: https://www.nyclu.org/report/a-civil-rights-agenda-for-the-next-mayor-of-new-york-city A civil liberties agenda for NY State: https://www.nyclu.org/report/rising-to-the-historical-moment-a-new-york-civil-rights-agenda-for-2026 NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman arguing for the NY for All Act in the Albany Times Union: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/ny-for-all-act-is-the-best-way-to-protect-immigrants-and-communities For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/ For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts Follow NYCLU on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Bluesky . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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