Ira Glasser

Date of Birth: April 18, 1938

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Biography

Ira Glasser is a renowned American civil rights advocate and former executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Glasser has dedicated his life to the defense of individual freedoms and constitutional rights. He attended and graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in mathematics, and later earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Ohio State University. Initially, Glasser pursued a career in academia, teaching mathematics at Queens College, but his passion for civil liberties led him to join the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) in 1967. In 1978, he was appointed the executive director of the ACLU, a position he held until his retirement in 2001. During his tenure, the ACLU grew significantly in both size and influence, tackling major legal battles related to free speech, racial equality, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. After his retirement, Glasser continued to be an outspoken advocate for civil liberties, often speaking publicly and writing on issues related to free speech, privacy, and government overreach.

5 Interesting Facts about Ira Glasser

1. Ira Glasser significantly expanded the ACLU’s membership from 275,000 to nearly 500,000 during his tenure.

2. He played a key role in the landmark Supreme Court case Texas v. Johnson, which defended the right to burn the American flag as a form of free speech.

3. Glasser is a prominent advocate for drug policy reform and has been critical of the War on Drugs.

4. He has authored several books and numerous articles on civil liberties and constitutional rights.

5. Glasser has been featured in the 2020 documentary film “Mighty Ira,” which chronicles his life and work with the ACLU.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ira Glasser

1. “Freedom of speech is not a luxury, but a fundamental right.”

2. “The true test of liberty is the right to speak and behave in ways that others may find offensive.”

3. “Civil liberties are the foundation of a free society; without them, democracy cannot survive.”

4. “Protecting the rights of the least popular among us is essential to safeguarding the rights of all.”

5. “The War on Drugs has been a war on people, particularly marginalized communities.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ira Glasser has maintained a modest lifestyle throughout his career, focusing on advocacy rather than personal wealth. His exact net worth is not publicly documented, but it is believed to be modest compared to high-profile figures in other fields.

Children

Ira Glasser has two children, a son and a daughter, both of whom have pursued careers outside of public advocacy. He maintains a private family life, and details about his children are kept out of the public eye.