Every year, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) receives thousands of civil rights complaints. The organization was created as an advocate for minorities and Americans who feel that they have been oppressed or discriminated against in some way. The ACLU says that it works to protect individuals' First Amendment rights- the freedoms of speech, association, assembly, press and religion- as well as the right to equal protection under the law, due process and privacy. The ACLU often provides plaintiffs with professional legal counsel, if it has reason to believe that he or she was a victim of discrimination, and cannot afford adequate representation.