ACLU-NJ Statement on the Inauguration of Gov. Mikie Sherrill

The organization has released policy recommendations urging the Sherrill administration to protect and expand civil rights

NEWARK – As Gov. Mikie Sherrill takes the oath of office today to become the 57th governor of New Jersey, the ACLU of New Jersey released a list of policy priorities that will protect and expand civil rights for all.

These policy recommendations urge Gov. Sherrill to strengthen immigrants’ rights, safeguard reproductive freedom, protect gender-affirming care, achieve fairer elections, promote government transparency, bolster data privacy, and advance racial and economic justice.

The following statement can be attributed to ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha:

“Congratulations to Governor Mikie Sherrill on her historic inauguration as the 57th governor of New Jersey. The ACLU of New Jersey looks forward to working with Gov. Sherrill, Lt. Gov. Caldwell, and their administration to ensure New Jersey not only protects, but strengthens its legacy as a national leader on civil rights.

“As we mark one year of the second Trump administration, the threats to our rights could not be clearer. We have all borne witness to a federal government increasingly willing to undermine the rule of law, attack our rights and liberties, and target the most vulnerable. Over the past several years, New Jersey has stepped up, pushing back against authoritarianism and proving that meaningful progress can be achieved when community members, advocates, and government leaders engage in collaborative, constructive dialogue.

“New Jersey has led the nation on criminal legal reform, protecting immigrants, expanding democracy, safeguarding reproductive freedom, and more – and this work is far from over. At a moment when our rights and lives are on the line, our collective mission is urgent and uncompromising: to defend and expand constitutional rights, and ensure New Jersey remains free, safe, and welcoming for all. Gov. Sherrill’s inauguration presents a pivotal opportunity for our state to lead with moral clarity and build a more just and inclusive future, together.”

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The ACLU of New Jersey has defended liberty and justice guided by the vision of a fair and equitable New Jersey for all since our founding in 1960. Our mission is to preserve, advance, and expand the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions in courts, in the legislature, and in our communities. We strive to be anti-racist and are actively committed to advancing racial justice for the people of New Jersey. We are a non-partisan organization that operates across political, legal, and cultural fronts to bring about change and build a more equitable society. www.aclu-nj.org