Ira Glasser facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ira Glasser
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Glasser receiving an award in 2015.
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| Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union | |
| In office 1978–2001 |
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| President | Norman Dorsen Nadine Strossen |
| Preceded by | Aryeh Neier |
| Succeeded by | Anthony D. Romero |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 18, 1938 New York City, U.S. |
| Education | Queens College (BS) Ohio State University (MS) New School |
Ira Saul Glasser (born April 18, 1938) is an American activist who worked to protect people's basic rights and freedoms, also known as civil liberties. He was the leader of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) from 1978 to 2001. A 2020 documentary called Mighty Ira tells the story of his life.
Contents
Early Life and Schooling
Ira Glasser was born in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up to be very smart, especially in math. He went to college and earned a graduate degree in mathematics from Ohio State University.
Career Beginnings
In the early 1960s, Glasser used his math skills to teach at Queens College and Sarah Lawrence College. He was also the editor of a magazine called Current from 1963 to 1967.
His career changed in 1967 when he joined the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU). This group is the New York branch of the ACLU. By 1970, he was leading the NYCLU. He did this job until 1978, when he was chosen to lead the entire national ACLU.
Leading the ACLU
The ACLU is a very important organization in the United States. Its main job is to make sure that the rights of all people, as written in the U.S. Constitution, are protected.
Growing the Organization
When Glasser became the executive director in 1978, the ACLU was a small group. It mostly had offices in a few big cities. Glasser had a big vision for the ACLU. He wanted it to be a powerful force for civil liberties all across the country.
Under his leadership, the ACLU grew a lot. By the time he retired, it had offices in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. He also helped the ACLU raise more money. The group's yearly income went from $4 million in 1978 to $45 million in 1999. This money helped the ACLU do more to protect people's rights.
New Ways to Protect Rights
Before Glasser, the ACLU mostly protected rights by going to court. This is called litigation. Glasser knew this was important, but he added new ways to help.
He started public education programs to teach people about their rights. He also increased the ACLU's lobbying efforts. Lobbying is when people talk to lawmakers to try to get them to pass fair laws.
Life After the ACLU
Glasser retired from the ACLU in 2001. He was followed by Anthony D. Romero.
In his retirement, Glasser has stayed active. He serves as the president of the board for the Drug Policy Alliance, an organization that works to change laws about certain substances.
