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].

Dec 14, 2020

Statewide Advocacy Organizations Offer Support for LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit People During the Holidays

While it’s always important to appreciate the joy of the holidays, we also need to recognize the difficulties that come for some LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit people during this time of the year.
Nov 5, 2020

Jett Jonelis Named ACLU of South Dakota Advocacy Manager

As advocacy manager, Jonelis oversees the organization’s legislative, public education and advocacy efforts and is responsible for developing issue campaigns to advance civil liberties and civil rights in South Dakota.
Oct 28, 2020

South Dakota Organizations Release Poll Worker Tips for Respecting Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming People 

The ACLU of South Dakota, Equality South Dakota and the Transformation Project have released a tip sheet for South Dakota’s election workers that details best practices for interacting with gender non-conforming, non-binary and transgender voters. 
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights, Voting Rights
Oct 13, 2020

ACLU of South Dakota Launches Voting Rights Campaign

The ACLU of South Dakota’s campaign – amplified through digital and outdoor advertising, direct mail, an expansive email program and social media outreach – is encouraging voters to make a plan to vote, whether that’s absentee by mail or early at their county auditor’s office or in-person on Nov. 3.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights
Sep 16, 2020

Federal Judge Approves Settlement in ACLU’s Fourth Amendment Challenge to S.D. Law Enforcement Practice of Forced Catheterizations

South Dakota's counterproductive drug policies have swept thousands of nonviolent drug offenders into the state’s criminal legal system and cost taxpayers millions of dollars. This settlement is another reminder of why criminal justice reform is needed.
Issue Areas: Smart Justice
Aug 28, 2020

ACLU of South Dakota Urges City of Sioux Falls to Reconsider Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes Ahead of November Election

Providing voters more easily accessible, secure options to return their absentee ballots is a common-sense solution to ensuring everyone can cast their ballots safely and securely in the 2020 General Election.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights
Aug 14, 2020

ACLU of South Dakota to Host Voting Rights Happy Hour

The virtual happy hour will help attendees better understand absentee voting and the rights guaranteed to LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit South Dakota voters.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Aug 7, 2020

ACLU’s Libby Skarin to Speak at Lavender Law Conference

Libby Skarin, the campaigns director for the ACLU of South Dakota, will be speaking about the annual fight for transgender rights at the South Dakota legislature during the 2020 Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair Aug. 12-14.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Jul 8, 2020

ACLU of South Dakota’s Candi Brings Plenty Selected as Advocate Magazine Champion of Pride

Each year, the Advocate‘s ‘Champions of Pride’ issue profiles LGBTQ+ activists, artists, politicians and others from each state who are changing the world for the better. Each Champion is an example of how LGBTQ+ people can make a difference in local communities and beyond.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights