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 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."
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
Jun 17, 2025

Jose Antonio Vargas on What We Get Wrong About Immigration Reform

Immigrants' Rights
Vargas shares with the ACLU the common misconceptions about immigration and immigrants that he’s encountered through work with his nonprofit, Define America.
Vargas shares with the ACLU the common misconceptions about immigration and immigrants that he’s encountered through work with his nonprofit, Define America.
A smiling Jose Antonio Vargas and two equally joyful female family members stand to the right of a large sign that reads "JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS
A smiling Jose Antonio Vargas and two equally joyful female family members stand to the right of a large sign that reads "JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS
Jun 13, 2025

Parents Push Back Against the Trump Administration's Latest Attack on Working Families

The Trump administration is attempting to gut Head Start, a federally-funded early childhood program Congress created for low-income families
The Trump administration is attempting to gut Head Start, a federally-funded early childhood program Congress created for low-income families
Teacher and pre-K students using wooden shapes.
Teacher and pre-K students using wooden shapes.
Jun 10, 2025

Pride Statewide: Celebrate LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Pride Across South Dakota

LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights

It’s more important than ever that LGBTQ+ communities and allies stand up in solidarity against hate. Let’s celebrate joy, identity and unity this summer!

It’s more important than ever that LGBTQ+ communities and allies stand up in solidarity against hate. Let’s celebrate joy, identity and unity this summer!

Celebrate Pride in South Dakota!
Celebrate Pride in South Dakota!