Press Releases

Bill to Require Public Schools to Post Ten Commandments is Unnecessary, Unconstitutional

America is not a theocracy and South Dakota’s public schools shouldn’t be used to religiously indoctrinate or convert students. Senate Bill 51 is unconstitutional and an affront to the American ideals of religious liberty.
Issue Areas: Religious Liberty

ACLU of South Dakota Opposes House Bill 1053, Legislation that would Age-Gate Internet Access

Requiring age-verification for porn and other sexual content on specific sites won’t save children from online harm. But House Bill 1053 will invade the privacy and violate the constitutional rights of all South Dakotans.

ACLU Prepared to Respond Immediately to Any Election Day Voting Rights Violations

Trained election observers will be monitoring polling locations in Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Aberdeen to watch for any issues that would disenfranchise voters, including questions about individual voter eligibility and mass challenges to absentee ballots.  
Issue Areas: Voting Rights

ACLU Responds to Noem’s Comments in Gender-Affirming Care Amicus Brief

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is erroneously claiming that the federal government is “forcing states to perform harmful, irreversible, and unscientific medical procedures on children."

ACLU Appoints Libby Skarin as Executive Director of Dakotas and Wyoming Chapter

As executive director, Skarin will oversee chapter operations and lead efforts to ensure the work of the ACLU is well-supported, coordinated and aligned with its strategic plan to further advance civil liberties in South Dakota.

Em Powers Joins ACLU of South Dakota as Communications Intern

As an intern, Powers will develop substantive skills and professional experience through on-the-job learning and will work alongside ACLU communications staff to help execute the ACLU’s storytelling and social media objectives

ACLU of South Dakota Demands Immediate Reinstatement of Voters Purged from Registration Rolls

Voter purge violates National Voter Registration Act. Swift action is needed to ensure no eligible voters are disenfranchised.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights

Civil Rights Groups Tell Federal Appeals Court that Protections for Pregnant Workers Cover Abortion Care

The amicus brief filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit supports the EEOC in a challenge by 17 red states that are trying to block the PWFA regulations’ coverage of accommodations for abortion-related care.
Issue Areas: Women's Rights

ACLU Urges Eighth Circuit to Protect Students' Right to Learn about Race in School

The courts must safeguard classroom discussions against political censorship
Issue Areas: Free Speech