ACLU executive director to address Democratic Club
Dr. Howard Simon, the Florida director of the ACLU, will discuss “Defending Human Rights in the Era of Donald Trump” on March 22 at the meeting of the Democratic Club of the Islands.
It will take place at 7 p.m. in the Founder’s Room at The Community House on Sanibel.
The meeting is free and open to the public.
Simon will discuss the challenges facing the ACLU as it confronts the program of the Trump administration to roll back advances in human rights over the last several decades. With over l00 lawsuits, it is challenging the administration on women’s rights, reproductive rights, voting rights, immigrants’ rights and LGBT rights, as well as First Amendment and criminal justice issues.
He will also address the recent Florida Legislative session and the challenges to values of privacy and religious freedom and separation of church and state that are likely to confront voters in November as a result of the Constitution Revision Commission. Simon will talk about proposed Amendment 4, which will be on the November ballot.
Simon received his Ph.D. in legal and political philosophy and social ethics from the University of Minnesota in l974. He has served as a state affiliate executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union for more than four decades and is the longest serving director in the nation.
During his tenure, the organization has played a central role in issues addressing school vouchers, religious practices in the public schools, abortion rights, end-of-life care issues and numerous controversies involving separation of church and state.
To join the Democratic Club of the Islands, bring a check to the meeting for $35 for an individual or $60 for a family payable to the DCI or mail a check to DCI, P.O. Box 898, Sanibel 33957.
For more information, e-mail demclubislands@gmail.com
The Community House is at 2l73 Periwinkle Way.