Since 1991, with a generous gift from the Friedman family, the Friedman Education Project has provided relevant and unique resources to high school teachers and students to broaden student understanding of the core principles underlying the Bill of Rights, and to make connections between these rights and the issues affecting their daily lives. With each event and activity, new students are attracted to the ACLU and join the YAC, bringing fresh, creative ideas and energy for planning future events on student rights and liberties.
All programs are free to students and schools.
This year's annual youth conference was held for the first time in Stockton to raise awareness in the Central Valley about Proposition 21, the state ballot initiative that criminalized youth. More than 350 students from 23 northern California high schools attended the conference to debate, discuss, and organize around key civil liberties issues. With youth activists and organizers as presenters and facilitators, the conference focused on the juvenile justice system, and culminated in a large march and rally against Proposition in downtown Stockton, which were featured on the front page of the Stockton Record . The students met with other youth fighting toxic waste sites in their communities, working against privatization of public schools, and educating garment workers about their rights. After the trip, the students compiled a booklet of their writings, poetry, artwork and photographs from the journey.