Anthony D. Romero is a distinguished American civil rights attorney, best known as the first Latino and openly gay Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Since taking the helm of the organization in 2001, Romero has become a national figure in the fight to uphold and expand the civil liberties of all Americans, especially during turbulent moments in U.S. history.
Key Information
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Anthony David Romero |
| Date of Birth | July 9, 1965 |
| Age | 59 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | The Bronx, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Puerto Rican |
| Sexual Orientation | Openly Gay |
| Religion | Raised Catholic, now secular |
| Languages Spoken | English (fluent), Spanish (conversational) |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) (unofficial) |
| Weight | Estimated around 75 kg (unofficial) |
| Education | – Princeton University (B.A., 1987) |
| – Stanford Law School (J.D., 1990) | |
| High School | Bronx High School of Science (assumed based on background) |
| Occupation | Civil Rights Attorney, Activist |
| Current Role | Executive Director, ACLU (2001–present) |
| Years Active | 1990–present |
| Current Residence | Manhattan, New York City, USA |
| Parents | Demetrio and Coralie Romero |
| Siblings | Not publicly known |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Partner/Spouse | Private |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Hobbies/Interests | Reading, civil discourse, public policy, travel |
| Public Engagements | Frequently speaks at law schools, civil rights events, and conferences |
| Political Affiliation | Nonpartisan (ACLU leadership is politically neutral) |
| Books or Publications | Contributed to ACLU reports and op-eds on civil rights and policy |
| Public Recognition | TIME’s 25 Most Influential Hispanics (2005), Human Rights Awards |
| Advocacy Focus | Civil liberties, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, immigrant protection |
| Notable Initiatives | ACLU’s Keep America Safe and Free, NSA surveillance lawsuits |
| Leadership Style | Strategic, inclusive, reform-driven |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $65 million (as of 2024, per PeopleAI) |
| Quote | “The ACLU has always been about protecting the powerless from the powerful.” |
Early Life and Background
Born on July 9, 1965, in The Bronx, New York, Anthony Romero was raised by Puerto Rican immigrant parents in a working-class household. Growing up in a culturally vibrant but economically modest environment, he quickly developed a passion for justice and equal rights. Romero’s upbringing shaped his deep empathy for marginalized communities and inspired his lifelong commitment to civil service.
Education and Legal Foundation
Romero’s academic journey reflects his dedication and brilliance. He graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public and International Affairs in 1987. He later earned his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School in 1990. During his time at both institutions, Romero was actively involved in advocacy and policy work, laying the groundwork for a career in public interest law.
Career and Leadership at the ACLU
Anthony D. Romero began his professional journey working with prominent philanthropic institutions. At the Ford Foundation, he directed the human rights and international cooperation programs, overseeing millions of dollars in grants dedicated to justice and social causes.
In September 2001, Romero became the Executive Director of the ACLU, just one week before the 9/11 attacks. Amid heightened national security concerns and legislative changes, he courageously led the organization’s efforts to protect civil liberties under the shadow of the Patriot Act and rising government surveillance.
Under his leadership, the ACLU launched the “Keep America Safe and Free” campaign, focusing on safeguarding civil rights in the post-9/11 era. Romero guided the ACLU through landmark legal battles, including opposition to torture, detention without trial, racial profiling, and government overreach.
Expanding the ACLU’s Reach
Romero’s vision for a more impactful ACLU led to the organization’s substantial growth. He expanded its budget, staff, and membership, enabling more robust litigation and grassroots mobilization. The ACLU, under his direction, has played a vital role in defending LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, immigrant protections, women’s reproductive freedoms, and racial justice.
In 2024, Romero further modernized the organization by launching the ACLU Voter Education Fund, allowing the nonprofit to directly engage with political advocacy while remaining nonpartisan.
Net Worth
As of November 2024, Anthony D. Romero’s estimated net worth is approximately $65 million.
Honors and Recognition
- Named one of Time magazine’s 25 Most Influential Hispanics in 2005.
- Received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in 2009.
- Honored with the “Maggie” Award by the Planned Parenthood Federation in 2011.
- Awarded the Woodrow Wilson Award by Princeton University in 2020.
Personal Life
A proud advocate of both his Latino heritage and LGBTQ+ identity, Romero has often spoken about the intersectionality of his experiences. He lives in New York City, where he continues to inspire new generations of social justice advocates.
Though a public figure, Romero is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life, choosing to let his work speak volumes.
Legacy and Impact
Anthony D. Romero’s legacy is that of an unwavering advocate for justice, even in the face of political storms. Through courtroom battles, policy reform, and fearless leadership, he has ensured that the ACLU remains a vital force in protecting the constitutional rights of every individual in America.
His journey from a Bronx-born child of immigrants to one of the most influential civil rights leaders of our time is a powerful testament to resilience, conviction, and the enduring value of equal protection under the law.
Interesting Facts About Anthony D. Romero
- Trailblazer at the ACLU
Anthony Romero is the first Latino and first openly gay person to serve as Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)—a groundbreaking appointment in the organization’s 100+ year history. - Started During a Historic Crisis
Romero began his leadership at the ACLU just days before the September 11 attacks in 2001. He immediately had to navigate a national crisis and defend civil liberties during a time of intense political pressure. - Self-Made from Modest Beginnings
Born to Puerto Rican parents in the Bronx, Romero was raised in a working-class family. His journey from a modest upbringing to the top of a national civil liberties organization is truly inspiring. - Stanford and Princeton Alum
Romero holds degrees from two of the most prestigious universities in the U.S.: a J.D. from Stanford Law School and a B.A. from Princeton University, where he was a first-generation college student. - Major Expansion of the ACLU
Under Romero’s leadership, the ACLU’s budget, staff, and membership more than quadrupled, making it one of the most powerful civil rights organizations in the country. - Global Human Rights Advocate
Before joining the ACLU, Romero directed international human rights programs at the Ford Foundation, overseeing millions in grants for global justice initiatives. - Critic of Government Surveillance
He spearheaded major lawsuits against the NSA’s mass surveillance programs and challenged the Patriot Act, becoming a leading voice for privacy and constitutional protections post-9/11. - Has Received Dozens of Honors
Romero has been honored by organizations like TIME magazine, Planned Parenthood, and the American Academy of Achievement, cementing his status as a national figure in civil rights. - Led the ACLU into Political Advocacy
In 2024, he launched the ACLU Voter Education Fund, allowing the organization to engage directly in elections and ballot measures while staying nonpartisan. - Values Privacy Despite Public Role
Despite being a public figure, Romero keeps his personal life extremely private, rarely discussing relationships or family matters in the media.
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