I am a ACLU member and have been for years. Members are famous for disagreeing, getting angry, and quitting. I’ve done all three, although, like most members, I eventually rejoin. But here is the kind of thing that irritates me.
Newark, N.J, has instituted a curfew for teenagers. It is not particularly punitive; first time offenders are taken home, and, if no adult is there, they are taken to Newark’s “Re-engagement Center,” which was opened to help young people with educational or job opportunities.
Sarah Fajardo, the ACLU policy director of ACLU of New Jersey, is opposed to the curfew. She said it “targets young people”...because of their status as young people, not because of any criminal behavior.”
Of course it targets young people. It is not alone in that. Young people can’t buy booze, can’t buy cigarettes, have driving restrictions, should not be able to buy guns. They are treated differently because they are young. Good grief.
Info for this post is in part from Tammy LaGorce, “Newark Turns to an Old Idea to Fight Youth Crime,” The New York Times, (June 2, 2024), pp. NJ 1, 4.
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