Local Students to participate in ACLU Summer Institute in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This month the American Civil Liberties Union is hosting its annual Summer Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C. for rising junior and senior high school students that will give students the tools they need to engage in their communities on issues around civil liberties and civil rights.

Maylat Esayas and Naomi Takie of Shorewood High School are joining nearly 200 high school students from across the country for the opportunity to receive first-hand experience from lawyers, lobbyists, community activists, and other experts dedicated to defending these constitutional rights.

From June 30 - July 6, 2023 participating students will engage with lawyers and political activists to build expertise and knowledge in advocacy – including issues such as criminal justice reform, voting rights, and religious freedom; participate in debates; and develop successful media and social networking strategies, all while observing policy development on Capitol Hill. 

The students will also take part in a day of action during the institute. They will be taking to the steps of the Capitol on July 5th to fight for trans justice and gender affirming care.

This year’s Summer Institute speakers include:

• Anthony Romero, ACLU Executive Director
• Amber Hikes, ACLU Deputy Executive Director for Strategy and Culture
• David Cole, ACLU National Legal Director
• Louise Melling, ACLU Deputy Legal Director
• Cecillia Wang, ACLU Deputy Legal Director
• Yasmin Cader, ACLU Deputy Legal Director
• Jeffery Robinson, Executive Director of the Who We Are Project

Students will also attend a young influencer panel entitled "Social Media Change-Makers: The Power of Online Activism.” The panel will be moderated by Schuyler Bailar, the first transgender athlete to compete on an NCAA Division I men’s team at Harvard, and feature:

• Jameelah Jones, Interim Audience Editor at Scalawag Magazine with a focus on social media, DE, and inclusive content creation
• Annie Wu Henry, Creative Director at AAPI Victory Fund and Digital Consultant for the Working Families Party