ACLU Leader Anthony Romero Warns CEOs Are 'Ducking the Hard Issues' on Civil Liberties

Anthony Romero, who has led the American Civil Liberties Union since 2001, is sounding an alarm: Americans have fewer rights now than at any point in his tenure. In a candid assessment, Romero says corporate leaders are 'ducking the hard issues,' failing to stand up for civil liberties when it matters most. His critique comes as the ACLU navigates a landscape of heightened government surveillance, voting restrictions, and attacks on free speech. Romero's long leadership gives him a unique vantage point on the erosion of rights, and his call to action puts pressure on CEOs who often avoid controversy. The ACLU's mission—defending the Constitution for all—is more urgent than ever, and Romero's warning signals a critical moment for businesses to choose principle over profit. The question now: will corporate America answer the call, or continue to stay silent?