<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-size:small"><p class="gmail-MsoTitleCxSpFirst" style="margin:0in;font-size:28pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;letter-spacing:-0.5pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:20pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,112,192)">Never-Regular, Always True\u2026<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></p><p class="gmail-MsoTitleCxSpLast" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt;font-size:28pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;letter-spacing:-0.5pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:20pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,112,192)">News from Your Local ACLU<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><img src="cid:ii_mjfzvk770" alt="image.png" width="116" height="55"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><a href="https://www.aclu-cu.org/" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:27.6px">https://www.aclu-cu.org</span></a>            <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:27.6px;color:rgb(68,114,196)">DECEMBER 2025</span></p><p class="gmail-MsoTitle" style="margin:0in 0in 4pt;font-size:28pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;letter-spacing:-0.5pt;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:18pt;color:rgb(0,112,192)">Dear Members and Friends,</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">Here at the ACLU of Champaign County, we are thinking over the past year and reflecting on what lies ahead for us in 2026. And yes, we are writing to you in that dangerously \u201cwoke\u201d font, Calibri, banned because it\u2019s easier for people with disabilities to read.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Although we freely admit we also love</span><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Times New Roman, the new darling of all MAGA State Department correspondence. As for serifs, we think Georgia and Garamond are cool, too! Before we get serious, if you care about typography and love a chuckle, check out this amusing take on the<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/2025/12/marco-rubio-woke-font-calibri/685212/" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">font tempest in a teapot.</span></a><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(68,114,196)"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(68,114,196)">PROPOSED ANTI-CAMPING ORDINANCE IN CHAMPAIGN</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">The morning of Tuesday, December 2, we learned that Champaign City Council planned to vote THAT NIGHT on an anti-camping ordinance aimed at unhoused people. Local advocates for the homeless and social service providers had not been consulted! An ordinance like this criminalizes vulnerable people while doing nothing to end homelessness. We got to work at once, connecting with our mother organization, ACLU of Illinois, who connected us with a statewide organization, Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness Law Project. By that evening, the three groups had sent a letter to the council members signed by senior attorneys. The letter laid out why the ordinance was not a constructive approach to homelessness, pointed out that it raised both moral and legal issues, and asked the council to delay voting. When confronted with a huge upswell of quickly-organized public opposition, the City Council voted down the ordinance. It was a great example of allies working together quickly to respond to a poorly-conceived ordinance and we are proud to have been part of it. Thanks to everyone who wrote to the council and mayor, all those who spoke at the meeting, and a special thank you to our elected officials who listened to their constituents, understood the objections raised, and voted down the proposed ordinance.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(68,114,196)"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(68,114,196)">URBANA SURVEILLANCE ORDINANCE \u2013<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/urbanail-pubu/MEET-Packet-bc637dfc7d1f4c3ca4401b3a1f353dbc.pdf" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)">Ordinance no. 2024-12-042</a></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">We continue to advocate for this<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/urbanail-pubu/MEET-Packet-bc637dfc7d1f4c3ca4401b3a1f353dbc.pdf" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)">ordinance</a><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>and it\u2019s progressing. We are working to ensure the ordinance applies to all departments and not just the Police Department. The next meeting of the council is January 5 and we will be in touch if the ordinance is on the agenda. Thanks to sponsors Grace Wilken and Jaya Kolisetty.<b>Expressing your support to your council member will help move the ordinance forward!</b><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><a href="https://www.urbanail.gov/city-clerk/page/city-council" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)">Contact Info</a><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>for Urbana City Council. More info from<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://ipmnewsroom.org/urbana-city-council-tables-measure-that-would-require-approval-for-police-surveillance-technology/" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)">IL Public Media.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(68,114,196)"><br></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(68,114,196)">VEO BIKESHARE VEHICLES</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">We recently met virtually with a VEO representative about the difficulties caused by improperly parked vehicles. Everyone has the right to access our local sidewalks, access ramps and curb cuts, and thanks to the American Disabilities Act (ADA), that includes walkers who push a stroller, or use a walker or wheelchair. We urged VEO to better educate their customers about how to park the bikes correctly. If you see a VEO bike or scooter blocking a sidewalk or access ramp, contact the company at<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:hello@veoride.com" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)"><b>hello@veoride.com</b></a>. If the company does not respond and move the vehicle in a timely manner, please let us know at<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:info@aclu-cu.org" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)">info@aclu-cu.org</a>. If you know of specific areas around C-U where VEO vehicles cause problems, we want to know about those locations, too.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(68,114,196)"><br></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(68,114,196)">STATEWIDE NEWS:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b>\u201cDeb\u2019s Law\u201d aka Medical Aid in Dying (Senate Bill 1950)<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker on Dec. 12.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="color:rgb(60,53,50)">The measure means that Illinois now will join the growing list of states that recognize medical aid in dying as a trusted and time-tested medical practice that is part of the full spectrum of end-of-life care options, including hospice and palliative care. Specifically, once implemented, the legislation allows a mentally capable, terminally ill adult with a prognosis of six months or less the option to obtain a prescription medication they may decide to take so they can die peacefully and end their suffering. The measure contains a wide range of protections to ensure that people are not coerced or intimidated into utilizing medical aid-in-dying when it does not reflect their choice. Thanks to all who worked to make this happen, and a special shout-out to Khadine Bennett, Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs Director at the ACLU of Illinois.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(47,85,151)">ACLU of ILLINOIS<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(238,0,0)"><a href="https://www.aclu-il.org/en/press-releases" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)"><span style="color:rgb(238,0,0)">UPDATES</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(47,85,151)">: INCLUDING CHICAGO IMMIGRATION CASES<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;line-height:24.533335px;color:rgb(68,114,196)"><br></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;line-height:24.533335px;color:rgb(68,114,196)">WHAT CAN I DO?<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia,serif">If you are asking that question, you are NOT alone.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">1.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">    <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="color:black">You can<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>speak up</b><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>in support of the rule of law and against abuses of power.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color:black"></span></p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)">SHARE YOUR CONCERNS WITH THOSE AROUND YOU. Having trouble finding the words?</p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> <a href="https://www.aclu-il.org/en/news/speaking-out-against-abuse-power" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)">READ</a><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>OUR HELPFUL GUIDELINES.</p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> </p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">    <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="color:black">Join the<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.aclu-il.org/en/join-community-activator-network" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)">ACLU COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR NETWORK</a><span style="color:black">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.25in;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> </p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">3.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">    <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="color:black">Encourage everyone you know to register to vote.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.aclu-il.org/en/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-voting-illinois" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)">Know your voting rights</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> </p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">4.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">    <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="https://www.aclu-il.org/en/donate-0" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)">DONATE</a><span style="color:black"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>TO ACLU ILLINOIS TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF OUR PROFESSIONAL LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE STAFF.</span></p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> </p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">5.<span style="font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">    <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="color:black">Become more involved as a local activist in our Champaign County chapter. Our steering committee meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 pm at the Champaign Public Library. Email us at<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="mailto:info@aclu-cu.org" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)">info@aclu-cu.org</a><span style="color:black">.</span></p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:21.466665px;color:rgb(68,114,196)">WHO IS YOUR STAND-UP HERO?<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>We\u2019re making a list and checking it twice!</i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b>Is there someone you\u2019ve read about or encountered who has stood up to authoritarianism and defended civil liberties, civil rights, and/or the rule of law in a small or large way? A librarian? A local official? A judge or teacher?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b>If that person has NOT been in the news, write them a note and let them know you appreciate their courage. We don\u2019t want to expose them to retaliation.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b><span style="color:rgb(68,114,196)">If their story is public, send us their name and a link to their story.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We\u2019re making a list of STAND-UP HEROES so we can acknowledge the way they inspire us. You can also send them a message of support, of course.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><b>SEND YOUR NAMES TO<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></b><a href="mailto:info@aclu-cu.org" style="color:rgb(149,79,114)"><b>info@aclu-cu.org</b></a><b><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>with<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="color:rgb(68,114,196)">HERO</span><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>in the subject line and we will print the list in the January newsletter.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);text-align:center"><b><i><span style="font-size:16pt;line-height:24.533335px;color:rgb(238,0,0)">WE WISH YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS</span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:18.4px;font-size:medium;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);text-align:center"><b><i><span style="font-size:16pt;line-height:24.533335px;color:rgb(238,0,0)">AND HEALTH, PEACE, and RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS OF ALL in 2026.</span></i></b></p></div></div>