The Southwest Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, representing Luna, Hidalgo and Grant counties met virtually on January 4 to discuss progress on community projects and propose new actions. The chapter meets the first Monday of every month at 6pm and is open to all interested parties who wish to protect civil liberties throughout New Mexico and nationally.

Reports were given concerning the chapter’s ongoing coordination with jails in Luna, Hidalgo and Grant counties to exchange information concerning protecting incarcerated persons and staff from COVID-19. In December, the chapter was able to facilitate discussion between jail administrators and elected officials to discuss these concerns.

The chapter also created a plan for taking inventory of accessibility improvements needed in downtown Silver City. A team of volunteers will be working on this with the plan to present information to city officials. There was also discussion of bills in the upcoming legislative session such as HB 40 which will phase out private prisons in New Mexico.

The chapter will be coordinating with the ACLU of NM to learn more about upcoming legislation related to civil rights.

Over the next few months the chapter will be hosting virtual speakers covering a variety of subjects including systemic racism, and drug policy. The next board meeting will take place Monday, Feb 1 at 6pm.

Those interested in learning more about the chapter can email swnmACLU@gmail.com or search us on Facebook at “ACLU of New Mexico- Southwest Chapter.”