ACLU of Florida laying off staff amid budget cuts

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, a non-profit dedicated to protecting personal freedoms, is downsizing due to budget constraints.

The organization, known for pursuing legal challenges against the government, including suits that established the right for gay couples to marry and adopt in the state of Florida, is laying off 10% of its staff, according to Executive Director Tiffani Lennon.

In a statement, Lennon said the ACLU of Florida increased its staff to meet “an unprecedented onslaught of attacks on civil rights and liberties” in the state, but now finds itself needing to reduce its expenses by 20%.

“The loss of talented staff members is very difficult,” said Lennon, who stressed that the organization “is committed to maintaining a strong defense of Floridians’ civil rights as it works to secure more sources of financial support.”

The ACLU of Florida, often on the opposite side of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ policies, currently has 51 staff members listed on its website. A senior ACLU of Florida official familiar with the organization’s budget said it was laying off five employees, who by Thursday will be notified that they have lost their jobs.

The official said the organization increased the size of their staff amid plans to boost fundraising, but the money coming in didn’t increase as quickly as they’d hoped. Going forward, the ACLU of Florida plans to increase educational programming to raise awareness of the organization’s mission and attract more small-dollar donors.

Chartered in 1965, the ACLU of Florida has been involved in many of the state’s most contentious legal battles. Recently, the organization has challenged state legislation that seeks to criminalize abortion providers, and legislation restricting healthcare for transgender people.