Racial Justice

Systemic racism continues to shape life in Puerto Rico — from policing and incarceration to housing, healthcare, and education. The ACLU of Puerto Rico fights to dismantle racial discrimination in all its forms, working alongside communities to demand equal protection, accountability, and opportunity for all.

What you need to know

42.6%

Of Puerto Rico’s population identifies as Black alone or as two or more races in the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

2024

Puerto Rico enacted Law 106-2024, expressly prohibiting discrimination based on protective hairstyles and hair textures associated with racial and national-origin identities.

Partially Compliant

As of December 2025, Puerto Rico Police remained only partially compliant with the federal reform requirement to ensure equal protection and nondiscrimination.

key Issues

Racial justice means confronting inequality wherever it exists. The ACLU of Puerto Rico is committed to using the courts, legislation, and community partnerships to ensure equal rights and fair treatment for every person on the island.
Our legal and advocacy work targets both structural and everyday racism — from police violence to workplace discrimination. By centering community voices and building alliances, we’re working toward a Puerto Rico where justice is not determined by color or class.

Racial Profiling: Black and Afro–Puerto Rican residents are disproportionately targeted by police and security forces.

Education Equity: Public schools in low-income and rural areas often receive fewer resources and less oversight.

Economic Disparities: Unemployment and poverty rates are higher in historically marginalized communities.

Representation: Afro–Puerto Rican communities remain underrepresented in politics, media, and public policy.

Racial Profiling: Black and Afro–Puerto Rican residents are disproportionately targeted by police and security forces.

Education Equity: Public schools in low-income and rural areas often receive fewer resources and less oversight.

Economic Disparities: Unemployment and poverty rates are higher in historically marginalized communities.

Representation: Afro–Puerto Rican communities remain underrepresented in politics, media, and public policy.

The Latest

Press Release

House Bill 406 Seeks to Create the "Puerto Rico Police Act"

Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform, Prisoners Rights, Women's Rights, Racial Justice

Resource

Legal

Since its founding, the ACLU of Puerto Rico has been at the forefront of landmark legal battles defending civil rights and liberties across the archipelago. Our legal team challenges systemic injustice through strategic litigation that protects free expression, due process, equality, and government accountability. From fighting police brutality and defending the rights of incarcerated people to advancing reproductive freedom and immigrants’ rights, we work to ensure that justice in Puerto Rico is accessible, equitable, and enduring.

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Free or low-cost legal resources in Puerto Rico

Do you need legal help in Puerto Rico? Explore these free or low-cost legal resources that can assist you.

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Recursos legales gratuitos o de bajo costo en Puerto Rico

¿Necesita ayuda legal en Puerto Rico? Explore estos recursos legales gratuitos o de bajo costo que pueden ayudarlo.

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