For over 60 years, the ACLU of New Jersey has defended liberty and justice guided by the vision of a fair and equitable New Jersey for all. Our mission is to preserve, advance, and extend the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every New Jerseyan by the state and federal constitutions in courts, in the legislature, and in our communities.
Dr. James Gallagher, a lifelong educator and longtime ACLU-NJ supporter, has always been guided by social justice principles. In his retirement, he continues to support causes that help protect constitutional rights. We spoke with Dr. Gallagher to find out more about what inspires his dedication to civil rights.
ACLU of New Jersey: The mission to expand and protect civil rights and liberties is personal for all New Jerseyans, can you tell us more about your background?
Dr. James Gallagher: Sixteen straight years of Catholic education grounded me, abstractly, in the principles of social justice. But the first real test came during Army basic training. My bunk mate was a Black recruit from the South. We suffered and bonded through the ordeal and became lifelong friends. In my early career, I organized Jesuit- sponsored conferences for religious leaders on interracial relations. Civil rights activist Bayard Rustin wrote a keynote paper for one. Working closely with him, I was tutored on the broader issues confronting the civil rights struggle and remained committed to them ever since.
ACLU-NJ: You've been a loyal supporter of our work. Can you share more about how you first got involved with the ACLU-NJ?
JG: After retirement, I read how the ACLU-NJ successfully sued a local swim club to permit a Black girl to join her classmates there. I realized the ACLU-NJ was accomplishing things I really believed in. I joined and participated in workshops, presentations, and events where I learned the breadth of their work. Meeting staffers amazed me with their dedication and scope of activity. The more I heard, the more I liked and admired the organization.
ACLU-NJ: The ACLU-NJ has dedicated decades to building a more perfect New Jersey, what specific areas of our work interest you most?
JG: As a board member and volunteer at the Covenant House shelter for homeless youth in Newark, I heard from young people about their fear or the abusive police actions they were experiencing. The ACLU-NJ got federal supervision of the department that changed those practices. I've applauded ACLU-NJ actions that have achieved prison reforms, legalization of cannabis, and rights for immigrants. With four daughters, I've been especially happy with the results the ACLU-NJ has achieved in advancing reproductive rights. Every issue of the ACLU magazine makes me remember they're making this world better.
ACLU-NJ: Our work is only possible with the help of our members. Can you tell us more about what motivates your support and why you would encourage other people to join us?
JG: Particularly in my senior years, there's a limited amount that I can do in person. I look to the ACLU as my surrogate in the never-ending battle to protect and preserve the rights guaranteed by our Constitution. Those rights are challenged and abused now more than ever. In addition to annual contributions, I have bequests that will support the work in causes that have yet to surface and that I may never hear about. It is reassuring to me that the ACLU exists. Thank you, Roger Baldwin.