Press Releases

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. For media inquiries, email [email protected].

Jul 6, 2022

Abortion Rights Advocates in South Dakota Continue Fight, Announce July 10 Rally in Sioux Falls

Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund and the ACLU of South Dakota are encouraging people to come together and take action during the Our Bodies, Our Futures Rally and Community Building Event on July 10.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom
Jun 24, 2022

Supreme Court Issues Devastating Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade

Abortion will be Banned in South Dakota; Half the States are Expected to Follow
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom
Jun 7, 2022

Kali Pearson Joins ACLU as Legal Intern for North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming Chapter

As a legal intern, Pearson will work alongside ACLU lawyers to develop substantive skills and professional experience through trainings and on-the-job learning.
Apr 5, 2022

ACLU of South Dakota Opposes Noem’s Executive Order on Critical Race Theory

The First Amendment protects academic freedom and the right to share ideas, including the right of individuals to receive information and knowledge. Instead of encouraging learning, Noem’s executive order will have a chilling effect on academic freedom.
Issue Areas: Free Speech, Indigenous Justice, Racial Justice
Mar 25, 2022

ACLU of South Dakota Condemns Racist Hotel Policy, Applauds Lawsuit Challenging Unlawful Discrimination

To begin to heal and move toward real racial equality, we must address the unlawful discrimination in our community today. We unequivocally condemn the recent blatant, racist denial of services to Native Americans at a hotel and bar in Rapid City.
Issue Areas: Indigenous Justice
Mar 7, 2022

Senate Passes Education Censorship Bill, ACLU Comments

House Bill 1012 creates more questions than answers and leaves South Dakota educators and administrators with the burden of navigating exactly what it means to comply with this law. It opens the door for a wide range of interpretations that could be used to chill free speech and academic freedom.
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Mar 3, 2022

ACLU of South Dakota Commends Senate Committee for Killing Classroom Censorship Bill

The ACLU of South Dakota opposed House Bill 1337. The First Amendment protects academic freedom and the right to share ideas, including the right of individuals to receive information and knowledge.
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Mar 2, 2022

Senators Pass Bill to Restrict Medication Abortion in South Dakota

Medication abortion is safe, common and essential health care. South Dakotans deserve the right to make their own personal decisions about their lives and futures without politicians getting in the middle of the doctor-patient relationship.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom
Mar 1, 2022

ACLU of South Dakota Responds to Senate Education Committee Decision on House Bill 1012

House Bill 1012 is poorly written and lacks clarity, opening the door for a wide range of interpretations that could be used to chill free speech and academic freedom, discouraging open and honest discussions about systemic racism in classrooms and in school communities.
Issue Areas: Free Speech