Free speech, 1991-1997

File — Carton: 120, Folder: 1611

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Series:

The subject files found in this series comprise the bulk of the ACLU-NC records, spanning the entire twentieth century (1900-2000), with the bulk created after 1933. Documenting some of the major social and political conflicts of the twentieth century in California and nationwide, the ACLU-NC’s subject files are extensive and diverse, both in subject matter and format. Materials in the files include correspondence, newspapers clippings, pamphlets, leaflets, and other printed material. Originally maintained for staff use, these files are an adjunct to the ACLU-NC's administrative records (series 1), with which they sometimes overlap. For example, the “Discrimination, Racial--Japanese-Americans” subject files contain important correspondence between the ACLU's national office and its northern California branch.

The public information subject files (subseries 2.33) were received in 2006 from the office of ACLU-NC communications director Elaine Elinson. Collected and maintained by Elinson during the course of her 17-year tenure at the ACLU-NC, these subject files are dated between the years 1931 and 2000, with the bulk created between 1975 and 2000. There is significant topical overlap between the public information subject files, deposited in 2006, and those received in 1977 (subseries 2.1-2.32). In general, however, the public information subject files concern more contemporary civil liberties-related issues. Three cartons of video tapes, circa 1991-1997, are unprocessed.

Dates

1991-1997

Conditions Governing Access

Consistent with the ACLU-NC’s support for freedom of information and informed public discourse on matters of public interest, the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California records are open to researchers. However, some categories of records in the collection are restricted to protect privacy, confidentiality, and attorney-client privilege. These restrictions are identified in the Access Policy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California Archives at the California Historical Society and summarized below.

All researchers must sign the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California Archives Records Access Agreement, confirming that they have read and understood the restrictions outlined in the Access Policy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California Archives at the California Historical Society. These documents are available at the reference desk and can be sent by e-mail.

Restricted Materials in the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California records, MS 3580:

Personnel records: Records that deal with personnel issues are closed during the lifetime of the person to whom they apply. This restriction will be lifted if the person to whom the records apply gives his or her permission in writing to disclose said information.

Administrative records: Records maintained by ACLU-NC administrators are closed for 20 years after the creation of the record or 10 years after its deposit at the California Historical Society, whichever is later, but in no case for more than 30 years after the creation of the record.

Development records: Records relating to financial support from foundations or other legal entities but not to individuals or their family foundations are closed for the same period as administrative records. If they contain information about substantive policy issues, records relating to individual donors or their family foundations are closed for the same period as administrative records. Where opened, the portions relating to individuals or their family foundations are closed during the lifetime of the person to whom they apply. This restriction will be lifted if the person to whom the records apply gives his or her permission in writing to disclose said information.

Legal case records:

Work-product privileged records, including correspondence, memoranda, drafts or briefs prepared in anticipation of litigation, written statements of witnesses, and notes of mental impressions or personal recollections prepared or formed by an attorney, are closed for 20 years after the case to which they apply is closed.

Attorney-client privileged records, including any documents reflecting an exchange of communication with a client or a potential client made for the purpose of furnishing or obtaining professional legal advice and assistance, are closed for 75 years after the creation of the record for all clients except children, where the period of closure is 100 years after the creation of the record.

Other confidential records, including classified documents, documents that a court has placed under seal or subject to a protective order, and documents that identify clients who have been represented anonymously or pseudonymously, are permanently closed unless the records are declassified or unsealed, the protective order is modified, or the client or the client’s legal representative has waived the privilege in writing.