News & Commentary written by West Resendes

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West Resendes

Staff Attorney

ÌÒ×ÓÊÓÆµDisability Rights Program

Bio

West Resendes is a Staff Attorney in the Disability Rights Program (DRP), where he uses disability rights litigation and community-centered advocacy tools to advance the ACLU’s affirmative vision for reducing the role, power, presence, and responsibilities of police in communities and schools. His work includes ongoing litigation to reform the statewide carceral and parole systems in Georgia for deaf and hard of hearing people, and education issues for students with disabilities. West began his work at the ÌÒ×ÓÊÓÆµas a Skadden Fellow. West is the first culturally deaf person to work at the ÌÒ×ÓÊÓÆµsince its co-founder, Helen Keller, and sits on the ACLU’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council.

Prior to joining the ACLU, West earned his J.D. at Yale Law School where he was a member of the Veterans Legal Services Clinic (VLSC). While at VLSC, West worked on a nationwide class action lawsuit seeking relief for less-than-honorably discharged veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan era with psychiatric disabilities. Through Make the Road Connecticut, West advocated for language access for immigrant families in Bridgeport Public Schools. West has also worked on the Senate Judiciary Committee. West holds an A.B. from Harvard College and was a Henry Russell Shaw Fellow.


Featured work

May 20, 2024

We Fought for Deaf People on Probation and Parole in Georgia — and Won

We Fought for Deaf People on Probation and Parole in Georgia — and Won

Jan 10, 2024

Language Access is a Civil Right, For Both Children and Adults

Language Access is a Civil Right, For Both Children and Adults

Nov 7, 2022

For People with Disabilities on Parole and Probation, Accessible Communication is Essential

For People with Disabilities on Parole and Probation, Accessible Communication is Essential

Aug 31, 2021

Safe and Healthy Schools Lead With Support, Not Police

Safe and Healthy Schools Lead With Support, Not Police

Mar 19, 2021

We Must Abolish Qualified Immunity to Prevent Further Police Harm — Especially for People in Mental Health Crises

We Must Abolish Qualified Immunity to Prevent Further Police Harm — Especially for People in Mental Health Crises

Feb 25, 2021

President Biden: Stop Funding the Policing of Our Students

President Biden: Stop Funding the Policing of Our Students

Dec 10, 2020

The Biden Administration’s Disability Rights To-Do List

The Biden Administration’s Disability Rights To-Do List

Jul 9, 2020

Police in Schools Continue to Target Black, Brown, and Indigenous Students with Disabilities. The Trump Administration Has Data That’s Likely to Prove It.

Police in Schools Continue to Target Black, Brown, and Indigenous Students with Disabilities. The Trump Administration Has Data That’s Likely to Prove It.