Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

We collect information in two ways: information you provide directly, and information collected automatically when you use our site.

• Testimony submissionsWhen you submit testimony through our public hearings form, we collect your name, contact information, and the content of your submission. This information is used solely to process and archive your testimony.
• Contact inquiriesWhen you contact us by email or through a contact form, we collect your name, email address, and the content of your message.
• Newsletter sign-upsIf you subscribe to our newsletter or action alerts, we collect your email address and, optionally, your name and zip code.
• Usage dataWe automatically collect standard server log data including your IP address, browser type, referring URL, pages visited, and time spent on the site. This data is used in aggregate to improve our services and is not linked to your identity.

How We Use Your Information

NCRRRI uses the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To process and archive testimonyTestimony submitted through our hearings program is preserved as part of the public record and may be cited in NCRRRI research reports, congressional submissions, or legal filings. We will notify you before using your testimony in any public-facing document.
• To respond to inquiriesWe use contact information to respond to questions, requests, and feedback.
• To send communications you requestedIf you opt in to our newsletter or action alerts, we will send you updates about NCRRRI's work. You may unsubscribe at any time.
• To improve our website and programsAggregate usage data helps us understand how visitors use our site so we can improve navigation, content, and accessibility.
• To comply with legal obligationsWe may retain or disclose information when required by law, court order, or to protect the rights and safety of individuals.

Information Sharing

NCRRRI does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providersWe work with trusted third-party vendors (such as email delivery services and website hosting providers) who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Coalition partnersIf you take action through a coalition campaign, your name and contact information may be shared with the relevant partner organization coordinating that campaign. We will always disclose this before you submit.
• Legal requirementsWe may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or other legal process, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of NCRRRI, our users, or the public.
• Organizational transfersIn the event of a merger, acquisition, or dissolution of NCRRRI, personal data may be transferred to a successor organization committed to the same mission and privacy standards.

Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience and analyze site traffic.

• Essential cookiesRequired for the site to function correctly. These cannot be disabled.
• Analytics cookiesWe use privacy-respecting analytics tools to understand aggregate traffic patterns. These cookies do not track you across other websites. You may opt out through your browser settings or our cookie consent tool.
• No advertising cookiesNCRRRI does not use advertising networks or behavioral tracking cookies.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. Testimony submissions are retained indefinitely as part of the public civil rights record. Contact and newsletter data is retained until you request deletion or unsubscribe.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• AccessYou may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• CorrectionYou may request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• DeletionYou may request deletion of your personal information, subject to our legal obligations and the public-record nature of testimony submissions.
• Opt-outYou may unsubscribe from our email communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or contacting us directly.

Security

We implement industry-standard technical and organizational measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to protecting your data.

Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has submitted personal information to us, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the Last Updated date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at [email protected] or write to us at: National Civil Rights Research and Records Institute, Privacy Office, 11807 Westheirmer Road Ste. 550-929, Houston, Texas 77077.