News & Blogs

As the leading civil rights organization in our state, the ACLU of South Dakota believes in keeping the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.

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Jul 17, 2025

60 Years Later: How a Civil Rights-Era Defamation Case Empowers the Press

From civil rights protests to Trump-era lawsuits, New York Times v. Sullivan continues to shape press freedom
From civil rights protests to Trump-era lawsuits, New York Times v. Sullivan continues to shape press freedom
The homepage of the New York Times' website.
The homepage of the New York Times' website.
Jul 7, 2025

Takeaways from the Supreme Court's Term

This term was marked by sharp right turns in major civil rights cases, a mixed record on lower-profile cases, and mixed outcomes in an ascendant emergency docket
This term was marked by sharp right turns in major civil rights cases, a mixed record on lower-profile cases, and mixed outcomes in an ascendant emergency docket
A half-lowered US flag waves in front of the US Supreme Court.
A half-lowered US flag waves in front of the US Supreme Court.
Jul 2, 2025

As AI Gains Power, We Must Push for Guardrails to Protect Civil Liberties

Privacy and Technology
As AI increasingly makes decisions in hiring, policing, and social services, the ACLU’s Civil Rights in the Digital Age Summit focuses on promoting responsible AI design to ensure technology protects rights...
As AI increasingly makes decisions in hiring, policing, and social services, the ACLU’s Civil Rights in the Digital Age Summit focuses on promoting responsible AI design to ensure technology protects rights...
The camera focuses on a sign held by a demonstrator that reads, "REGULATE AI KEEP THE FUTURE HUMAN."
The camera focuses on a sign held by a demonstrator that reads, "REGULATE AI KEEP THE FUTURE HUMAN."
Jul 2, 2025

We the People: Sarah Parkin

Legal documents and legislation can be boring, right? Well, not for Sarah Parkin. The ACLU’s new digital communications associate loves breaking down complex issues and making people aware of the impact...

Legal documents and legislation can be boring, right? Well, not for Sarah Parkin. The ACLU’s new digital communications associate loves breaking down complex issues and making people aware of the impact...

Sarah Parkin, digital communications associate
Sarah Parkin, digital communications associate
Jun 26, 2025

The Supreme Court Dealt A Blow to Trans Rights. Here's How to Take Action

LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
The decision in Skrmetti v. U.S. is not the end of the road. We can, and must, show up for trans youth in the courts and in our communities.
The decision in Skrmetti v. U.S. is not the end of the road. We can, and must, show up for trans youth in the courts and in our communities.
At a trans rally, person (wearing a denim vest and with their back to the camera) displays the sign stitched to the vest that reads "WE WILL PROTECT TRANS KIDS."
At a trans rally, person (wearing a denim vest and with their back to the camera) displays the sign stitched to the vest that reads "WE WILL PROTECT TRANS KIDS."
Jun 23, 2025

Criminal Justice Reform Better Than Building New Prison

Smart Justice

We need to dramatically reduce our reliance on incarceration and invest instead in alternatives to prison, including approaches better designed to break the cycle of crime and recidivism by helping people...

By Samantha Chapman

We need to dramatically reduce our reliance on incarceration and invest instead in alternatives to prison, including approaches better designed to break the cycle of crime and recidivism by helping people...

By Samantha Chapman
Criminal Justice Reform Better Than Building New Prison
Criminal Justice Reform Better Than Building New Prison