Anthony Romero

Anthony Romero is an American attorney and civil liberties leader who has served as the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union since 2001. He is the first Latino and the first openly gay person to lead the organization. Under his leadership, the ACLU has significantly expanded its legal, legislative, and public education work, confronting major issues from national security to voting rights.

Early life and education

Born to Puerto Rican parents in New York City, he was raised in a low-income household in the Bronx. He attended Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in politics and was actively involved in student advocacy. He subsequently pursued a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, where his interest in public interest law and civil rights was further solidified. His early professional experiences included work with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the Rockefeller Foundation, focusing on philanthropic efforts for social justice.

Career at the ACLU

He joined the American Civil Liberties Union as its Executive Director in September 2001, just days before the September 11 attacks. His tenure began during a period of intense national focus on security and liberty, immediately steering the organization into high-profile challenges against the USA PATRIOT Act and policies enacted by the George W. Bush administration. He has overseen a dramatic increase in the organization's membership, budget, and nationwide staff, establishing new projects like the ACLU National Security Project. His strategic vision has also emphasized strengthening affiliate offices across the United States and expanding litigation into emerging areas such as digital privacy and technology.

Major cases and advocacy

His leadership has been defined by the ACLU's involvement in landmark litigation and advocacy campaigns. A central focus has been challenging post-9/11 policies, including representing detainees at Guantanamo Bay detention camp and opposing warrantless surveillance programs. The organization has also been a principal litigant in major Supreme Court cases, such as those affirming marriage equality in Obergefell v. Hodges and protecting immigrant rights. Other significant efforts under his direction include fighting voter suppression laws, defending reproductive freedom, and challenging practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The ACLU's work during the Trump administration involved numerous lawsuits on issues ranging from the travel ban to family separation at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Public recognition and awards

His work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Ohtli Award, one of the highest honors from the Government of Mexico. He has been named one of the "100 Most Influential Lawyers in America" by The National Law Journal and received the S. Roger Horchow Award for Greatest Public Service by a Private Citizen from Jefferson Awards for Public Service. His contributions to civil liberties have also been acknowledged by institutions like Harvard University and the City University of New York. He serves on the board of several non-profit organizations, including the Brennan Center for Justice.

Personal life

He is openly gay and lives with his husband in Washington, D.C.. An avid art collector, he has spoken about the intersection of art and social justice. He maintains a strong connection to his Puerto Rican heritage and is a frequent commentator on civil liberties issues in media outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, and National Public Radio.

Category:American civil rights lawyers Category:American LGBT rights activists Category:ACLU people Category:Princeton University alumni Category:Stanford Law School alumni Category:Living people