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 2, 2020

South Dakota Response to COVID-19 in Prisons and Jails Gets a Failing Report From ACLU, Prison Policy Initiative

Mass incarceration was a major public health crisis before the outbreak of COVID-19, but this pandemic has pushed it past the breaking point. As cases of COVID-19 surge, jails and prisons remain a breeding ground for the disease.
Jun 23, 2020

ACLU of South Dakota Hosting Virtual Know Your Rights While Protesting Training

The right to join with fellow citizens in protest or peaceful assembly is critical to a functioning democracy and at the core of the First Amendment. Unfortunately, law enforcement officials sometime violate this right through means intended to thwart free public expression.
Jun 16, 2020

ACLU Condemns South Dakota Legislators for Supporting Discriminatory U.S. Supreme Court Case

Several state legislators sign onto brief asking the court to rule it is legal for taxpayer-funded foster care agencies to discriminate.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Jun 1, 2020

ACLU of South Dakota Responds to George Floyd Protests

The frustration and anger seen pouring out in the streets is the result of past promises for reform unfulfilled coupled with the tragic ever-growing list of names of people of color who have been killed by police.
Issue Areas: Racial Justice
May 18, 2020

ACLU of South Dakota Supports Tribal Sovereignty Rights to Continue Checkpoints

Tribal sovereignty allows the tribes to operate these checkpoints within their land. Undermining that tribal sovereignty, that authority for the tribes to govern themselves, goes against the treaties the tribes have with the United States government.
Issue Areas: Indigenous Justice
May 11, 2020

Adam Jorgensen Named ACLU of South Dakota Digital Media Associate

In his new role, Jorgensen develops and manages the cross-platform digital communications and social media strategy for the three states and is responsible for generating content that is engaging, up-to-date and results in measurable action.
Apr 29, 2020

ACLU of South Dakota Files FOIA Requests for Gov. Noem, South Dakota DOC Knowledge of Potential COVID-19 Outbreaks in Prisons and Jails

The ACLU's federal FOIA is supported by the Council of Prison Locals which currently represents 30,000 correctional officers.
Apr 27, 2020

Libby Skarin Named Campaigns Director for ACLU of South Dakota, North Dakota and Wyoming

Skarin will focus her campaign work on the ACLU’s priority areas of indigenous justice, LGBTQ and Two Spirit equality, criminal justice reform, immigrants’ rights and First Amendment issues.
Apr 22, 2020

Data Model Shows National COVID-19 Death Toll 100,000 Higher Than Current Projections

Failure to reduce jail population is the Achilles heel for the efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S.