ACLU Debuts ‘Know Your Rights University,’ A Charming Stop-Motion Civics Series For Kids

The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) is getting into the digital-native animation game with Know Your Rights University (KYR-U), a stop-motion series headed by Brandon Lake that introduces kids to civics, constitutional rights, and free expression through short, accessible episodes available for free on YouTube starting today.

The project leans into a familiar educational format, drawing inspiration from legacy edutainment like Schoolhouse Rock while updating the subject matter for a more politically charged moment.

Set inside the fictional Eastman-Baldwin Junior High, the series follows two student journalists, Lisa and Aaron, who write for their school paper, the “Liberty Gazette.” Through their reporting, they learn about student speech, censorship, and how government functions. A teacher named Mr. Charles acts as a guide, while a supporting cast includes talking books and even a sentient PA system, pushing the show toward a lightly surreal tone.

The first season will include four episodes, each built around a specific civics concept. Topics include the landmark student speech case Tinker v. Des Moines, book bans and censorship, the structure of the three branches of government, and grassroots civic engagement. One episode centers on a fictional challenge to James and the Giant Peach, using it as a gateway into broader conversations about restricted access to literature in schools.

Visually, KYR-U looks really sharp. The backgrounds, puppets, lighting, and animation are all on point, and the dynamic colors and characters should provide a comfortable entry point for little ones.

According to press materials, the team developed the series in-house, building sets, composing music, and consulting with both animation professionals and First Amendment experts.

The project is spearheaded by Lake, an ACLU creative lead with a background in stop-motion and education. His stated goal was to bring civics lessons to life in a way that resonates with younger audiences while maintaining clarity around complex legal and political concepts.

KYR-U arrives amid ongoing debates around curriculum control and book bans in U.S. schools. The ACLU frames the series as a response to those trends, positioning it as a tool to help kids and families better understand their rights and the systems that shape them.

The series premieres today on YouTube Kids, with additional materials including study guides and companion content hosted on the ACLU’s website.