For more than fifty years, the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina has defended freedom and justice for all, no matter who is in office or what power they may wield. Our role is no different today. Our work to hold the government to the eternal promise of the Constitution continues.

So how does this week’s election impact the progress made on critical civil liberties issues such as voting rights, criminal justice, gender equity, reproductive justice or LGBTQ equality? I cannot answer those questions today, but let me reassure you that we at the ACLU-NC are wasting no time in preparing for the new political landscape.

This summer, the National ACLU closely analyzed the policy proposals of President-elect Trump. We’ve called on him to reconsider and change course on many grossly unconstitutional policy proposals. And if he and his administration do not heed the warning, we stand ready to challenge them in court.

Here in North Carolina, the ACLU-NC remains equally vigilant in safeguarding civil rights and civil liberties for all who call this state home. We are evaluating all aspects of our work – litigation, policy, advocacy, communications, and community outreach and education – so we can gear up to face any challenges that come our way. The bottom line is that our mission today is the same as it was last week and the same as it will be a year from now: we will work to secure, defend, and expand civil liberties for all North Carolinians.

We understand that North Carolina needs the ACLU-NC perhaps more now than ever, because freedom cannot protect itself. We are renewing our commitment to the treasured gifts of freedom entrusted to us on behalf of the next generation, rolling up our sleeves and striding forward to take on the critical challenges ahead.

I am pleased and grateful to know that so many of you will be standing with us in the days to come.

Join the ACLU of North Carolina today.