Rights This Way

With Donald Trump waging war on free speech and ICE officers killing people in broad daylight, our right to protest is more important than ever. But too often when New Yorkers take to the streets to speak out, they are met with NYPD violence. Often, the officers leading the anti-protest charge are part of the NYPD's notoriously brutal Strategic Response Group, or "the SRG."

The SRG's training specifically names anti-Trump demonstrators, the Black Lives Matter movement, and Occupy Wall Street as examples of "violent" protesters. The unit's members have demonstrated a clear pattern of targeting people of color, using excessive force, and generating higher rates of misconduct complaints compared to other officers.

On this episode, we discuss the SRG with comedian and political satirist Walter Masterson. And we also get into the history of the unit and legislation designed to curtail the SRG’s violence with NYCLU expert and organizer Isabelle Leyva.

Please download, rate, review and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast.

In this episode, you'll hear:

00:00 Intro

02:18 What is the NYPD's Strategic Response Group?

04:14 SRG training that targets racial justice and left-wing protesters

05:13 How Walter got involved in the campaign against the SRG

07:10 Walter's run-ins with the SRG at protests

09:22 What Isabelle has seen the SRG do on the streets

12:33 Walter's satirical testimony at City Council

16:15 How lawmakers react to the testimony

19:42 What the CURB Act would do

21:58 Where the CURB Act stands and what's blocking it

23:56 How listeners can help pass the CURB Act

Resources:

Follow Walter on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@waltermasterson?lang=en

Sign up for our anti-SRG campaign: nyclu.org/srg-signup

Tell Council Members to support the CURB Act: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/curb-nypd-abuse-protesters

Learn more about the SRG: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/new-yorkers-right-to-protest-is-under-attack-heres-how-a-new-bill-can-protect-it

More on the buffer zone legislation that Walter mentions: https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/inside-the-struggle-against-anti-protest-buffer-zone-laws

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

Follow NYCLU on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The impact of a person’s incarceration reaches far beyond the confines of their cell. Children lose parents. Families lose a breadwinner and struggle to meet their needs. Businesses lose workers. Humane treatment that respects the rights and dignity of incarcerated people and prepares them to re-enter society, benefits both incarcerated people and their communities.

On this episode, we speak to a New Yorker with personal experience visiting a family member who was incarcerated. He explains why in-person visits are so important and why a bill recently passed by the state legislature would help families like his. And we also talk to an NYCLU expert about this legislation and several other bills designed to improve conditions for incarcerated New Yorkers and their loved ones.

Please download, rate review and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast.

In this episode, you'll hear:

00:00 Intro

02:03 The Protect In-Person Visits Bill

05:58 Elijah's story: visiting his stepfather in prison

12:31 The Tampons Aren't Contraband Act

17:46 The Visiting Rights Bill

20:02 Commissary prices

24:19 The anti-shackling bill

26:34 How to support these bills

30:04 Wrap-up

Resources:

Tell Hochul to sign the bills we discuss on this episode: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/protect-rights-incarcerated-and-detained-new-yorkers

Take action to protect in-person visits and find resources for children of incarcerated parents:  https://www.susu-osborne.org/protect-visiting

Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities impacted by the criminal legal system: https://www.osborneny.org

Learn more about the prison conditions legislation we mention: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/why-these-bills-to-improve-prison-conditions-should-matter-to-all-of-us

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

Follow NYCLU on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI is everywhere, including in our schools. But what does the rapid deployment of AI mean for the 900,000 students in New York City’s public schools? What are the guardrails in place for its use? What are the dangers of AI? What are the everyday changes taking place because of its implementation?

Earlier this year the New York City Department of Education (DOE) rolled out guidance for the use of AI. The backlash from students, parents and pretty much everyone was so severe that in June, the DOE postponed their planned rollout of an AI "Playbook," which would have been a more comprehensive version of the "guidance." This postponement was a win for the movement to rein in AI use in schools and it’s a clear example of the high-stakes around this contentious issue.

On this episode, we’re joined by students from the NYCLU’s Teen Activist Project, who have first-hand experience with how AI is being used in their classrooms. We ask them about how AI is used in their schools, their concerns about the technology, what needs to change about the use of AI in schools, and a lot more.

Please, download, rate, review, and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast.

In this episode, you'll hear:

0:00 Intro

02:10 How students feel about AI in schools

04:20 What’s wrong with the DOE’s AI guidance?

06:30 How AI is already showing up in classrooms

08:00 Why some schools don’t need AI

09:50 Student surveillance: GoGuardian and Smart Pass

13:20 The biggest problem: lack of transparency

16:10 AI, cheating, and the loss of foundational skills

20:20 What happens if AI takes over education?

23:10 The $57,000 AI teacher

26:50 What should a better AI policy look like?

30:30 Outro

Resources:

More on the spying powers of GoGuardian: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/software-could-be-spying-nyc-students

More on the creepy hall pass technology SmartPass: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/why-is-my-school-tracking-me-when-i-use-the-bathroom

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

Follow NYCLU on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Cup is supposed to be a time when billions of people across the planet join together to celebrate their love for the global game of soccer. It’s a moment for people of different ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities to celebrate what brings them closer, and to enjoy the world’s most popular sport.

But President Trump has other ideas. He used the World Cup to bully, divide, spread fear in immigrant communities, and even demand special treatment from the tournament’s governing body. On this episode, we speak with Paola Mendoza, filmmaker, author of the books Sanctuary and Solis, and one of the organizers of the No ICE in the Cup campaign. The campaign is a national call to action demanding the World Cup remain joyful, safe and secure for all to enjoy.

No ICE in the Cup also makes clear that ICE – that’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – has no place near the World Cup festivities.

Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast.

In this episode, you'll hear:

(0:00) Intro

(2:24) What is No ICE in the Cup?

(4:39) The need for No ICE in the Cup

(7:43) Trump’s threats to the World Cup

(8:42) No ICE in the Cup’s work with small businesses

(9:36) How the World Cup revitalized immigrant pride

(13:55) No ICE in the Cup artworks

(15:50) No ICE in the Cup community soccer tournaments

(17:11) The power of joy and community in organizing

(21:20) Paola’s books and how to stay in touch

Resources:

No ICE in the Cup campaign page: https://noiceinthecup.us/

Follow Paola @PaolaMendoza and her website: https://iampaolamendoza.com/artist/

Paola’s books Sanctuary and Solis: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/610887/sanctuary-by-paola-mendoza-and-abby-sher/

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707297/solis-by-paola-mendoza-and-abby-sher/

Previous episode on politics in sports: https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/trans-athletes-trump-and-the-right-to-play-sports

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

Follow NYCLU on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After months of backroom dealing, Gov. Hochul touted what she called her “buffer zone legislation” which threatens to chill protest and other forms of free speech near houses of worship. While the bill that finally passed isn’t as bad as the Governor’s initial proposal, it is still needless, dangerous, and an affront to our democracy.

On this episode, we discuss this so-called buffer zone legislation and what it does, what it doesn’t do, and how it could impact New Yorkers’ ability to speak out. We also talk about an ongoing NYCLU lawsuit against Long Island’s Nassau County, where an even worse, more aggressive anti-protest zone law is stifling the speech of New Yorkers.

Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast.

NOTE: After we recorded, the New York City Council passed the modified anti-protest zone bill related to educational facilities that Naila talks about in this episode.

In this episode, you'll hear:

(00:10) Intro

(2:14) What are buffer zone bills?

(5:16) The New York State law

(7:54) Local buffer zone bills

(9:47) Why Nassau County’s buffer zone law is especially aggressive

(13:26) NYCLU’s lawsuit against Nassau County

(16:48) New York City buffer zones?

(22:14) The truth about buffer zone laws

(22:47) CTA: Contact your lawmakers

Resources:

New York’s so-called ‘buffer zone law’ explained: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/nys-buffer-zone-law-doesnt-create-protest-free-areas-but-it-could-still-chill-speech

More info on NYC’s previous version of the ‘buffer zone’ legislation: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/buffer-zones-only-limit-free-speech

Tell the NYC Council to vote ‘no’! on buffer zones: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-nyc-council-say-no-no-speech-zones

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

Follow NYCLU on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s soaring cost of living and staggering wealth inequality cast a spotlight on the longstanding need for universal child care. Too many families find themselves in an impossible bind: They can’t afford to lose the wages they need to make ends meet, but they also can’t afford to pay for the child care that allows them to go to work.

On this episode, we speak with Emmy Liss, Mayor Mamdani’s head of the Office of Child Care. She is at the forefront of the city’s efforts to make the dream of universal child care a reality. We also talk to two NYCLU experts who explain why universal child care is both a gender and racial justice issue. And they also break down another issue – paid medical leave – which is intimately tied to who can and can’t afford to raise a family in New York.

Editor’s note: We recorded this podcast before this year’s New York State legislative session ended. The State Assembly failed to pass paid medical leave reform, but you should still contact your state legislators and urge them to pass it next year.

Please download, rate, review and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast.

In this episode, you'll hear:

(00:43) Intro

(02:04) Emmy’s Background

(05:23) What is universal childcare?

(05:55) Mamdani’s milestones on universal childcare

(10:00) Challenges for universal childcare

(11:11) Racial and gender justice in universal childcare

(13:51) Childcare is a market failure

(18:24) NYC’s investments in childcare

(19:31) Next steps for childcare

(21:46) What does universal childcare mean and why is it important?

(24:55) What is paid medical leave?

(27:57) Why is paid medical leave important?

(30:50) Why universal childcare is a gender and racial justice issue

(36:33) The punitive family regulation system

(38:24) What paid medical leave looks like

(41:51) What universal childcare looks like

Resources:

Our universal child care and paid medical leave blog: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/why-universal-child-care-is-a-gender-and-racial-justice-issue

To find licensed child care providers in New York City: nyc.gov/childcare

To apply for a child care seat: Myschools.nyc

NY State universal child care coalition: https://empirestatechildcare.org/new-york-state-child-care-for-all/

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

Follow NYCLU on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead is in the walls and water of an untold number of places New Yorkers live, go to school, work, and visit. Its life-altering impacts pose a potential danger to everyone in our state, but lead poisoning disproportionately affects Black and Brown New Yorkers. Thousands of people’s lives are impacted by lead poisoning, but our state and local governments aren’t doing nearly enough to combat it.

On this episode, we speak with Shannon Burkett, an award-winning actor, writer, producer, and nurse who created the podcast “Lead: How This Story Ends is Up to Us,” which tells the true story of her family’s experience with lead poisoning.

We also talk with Lanessa Owens-Chaplin, the Director of the NYCLU’s Racial Justice Project about an ongoing lead water crisis in Syracuse and about what we can do to prevent lead poisoning in New York.

Please download, rate review and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast.

Resources:

Listen to Shannon’s podcast: "Lead: How This Story Ends Is Up To Us" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lead-how-this-story-ends-is-up-to-us/id1808995949

More on the Lead Pipe Replacement Act: https://www.nyclu.org/resources/policy/one-pagers/ensure-safe-drinking-water-for-all-new-yorkers

More on Syracuse’s lead crisis https://www.nyclu.org/resources/policy/one-pagers/syracuse-is-ignoring-its-lead-water-crisis

Fight the lead crisis in Syracuse: https://action.aclu.org/petition/fix-lead-crisis-syracuse

Follow Shannon @endleadpoisoning: endleadpoisoning.org

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

Follow NYCLU on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Perhaps no dynamic defines politics in New York State and New York City in 2026 more than the relationship between Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The Mayor needs the Governor’s help to accomplish many of the key pillars of his agenda, and the two have already signaled clear areas of agreement and key points of friction.

On this episode, we discuss the promise and potential pitfalls of this relationship with Christina Greer, who understands New York politics as well as anyone. She is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Fordham University and the co-host of the popular podcast FAQ NYC.

And we also speak with NYCLU Assistant Director of Policy Michael Sisitzky who explains some of the top civil rights issues that Hochul and Mamdani must reckon with.

Please, download, rate, review, and subscribe to Rights This Way. It will help more people find this podcast.

Resources:

Listen to Christina's podcast, FAQ NYC: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faq-nyc/id1422065980

NYCLU Mayoral Agenda: https://www.nyclu.org/report/a-civil-rights-agenda-for-the-next-mayor-of-new-york-city

A civil liberties agenda for NY State: https://www.nyclu.org/report/rising-to-the-historical-moment-a-new-york-civil-rights-agenda-for-2026

NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman arguing for the NY for All Act in the Albany Times Union: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/ny-for-all-act-is-the-best-way-to-protect-immigrants-and-communities

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

Follow NYCLU on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump is waging war on free speech and academic freedom. And too often, colleges and universities have waved the white flag. Over and over, places of higher education have given in to the Trump administration’s outrageous demands and allowed the federal government to have an unprecedented say in what gets taught and what people can say on college campuses. New York City’s Columbia University is at the center of Trump’s attempts to destroy America’s colleges.

Few have had a better seat to watch this assault on our cherished freedoms than Professor Katherine Franke. Franke is a former tenured law professor at Columbia who was put under investigation by the university in 2024 in the midst of the school’s crackdown on pro-Palestine speech. Then in January, she entered into an agreement with Columbia to leave the school after 25 years as a distinguished professor.

Few people have spoken out with more passion, clarity, and insight about the ongoing siege on academic freedom. On this episode, we speak with Professor Franke about her experience at Columbia, the climate of censorship, fear, and repression at Columbia and schools across the country, and efforts to fight back against Trump’s attacks.

Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to rights this way. It will help more people find this podcast.

Guest: Katherine Franke https://www.instagram.com/profkfranke/

Resources:

Follow Professor Katherine Franke: https://www.instagram.com/profkfranke/

Inside Columbia’s Crackdown on Pro-Palestine Free Speech: https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/inside-columbias-crackdown-on-pro-palestinian-free-speech

Mahmoud Khalil in His Own Words: https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/mahmoud-khalil-in-his-own-words

What are the Stakes of Mahmoud Khalil’s Case: https://www.nyclu.org/podcast/what-are-the-stakes-of-mahmoud-khalils-case

NYCLU Letter: Columbia Should Not Capitulate to Trump: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/letter-columbia-should-not-capitulate-to-trump

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

Follow NYCLU on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A legion of far-right activists is determined to purge school libraries of books they don't like. A huge percentage of the books they want to get rid of are about race or racism, feature people of color, or include LGBTQ characters. This is a nationwide movement, and New York is not immune. Several New York school districts are facing calls to ban books.

On this episode, we talk to New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron. One of Kalynn’s books, “Cinderella is Dead”, has been targeted by several book ban campaigns. She talks with us about why she wrote the story and why she thinks it’s important for students of all backgrounds to have a diverse set of books to choose from.

Then we chat with an NYCLU expert about book bans in New York and legislation that’s on Gov. Hochul’s desk that would help combat them.

Guests:

Kalynn Bayron, New York Times and Indie bestselling author

Emma Hulse, Education Counsel, NYCLU

Resources:

Check out Kalynn’s books: https://bookshop.org/shop/bloomsburyusa

Tell Gov. Hochul to sign Freedom to Read: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/fight-freedom-read

More from Emma: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/ny-schools-are-banning-books-heres-what-you-can-do-about-it

More on Freedom to Read: https://www.nyclu.org/uploads/2024/05/Freedom-to-Read-Act-Legislative-Support-Memo-2526_04.14.25.pdf

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

Follow NYCLU on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.