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].

Feb 10, 2025

ACLU of South Dakota Commends Decision to Kill Bill that Would Have Prohibited Discipline when Students are Misgendered, Bullied

Making an honest mistake with someone’s name or pronouns will always happen, but instances of misgendering or calling someone by the wrong name cannot be immune from school discipline when they cause a substantial and material disruption or create a hostile educational environment.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Feb 04, 2025

ACLU Responds to South Dakota Support of Trump EO on Birthright Citizenship

By signing onto this amicus brief, South Dakota is sending a message of exclusion to children in our state directly impacted by Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship and to the many others who will have their citizenship questioned because of their race or who their parents are.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Jan 24, 2025

ACLU of South Dakota Opposes Trio of Bills Regarding Residency, Voter Registration

It’s no secret that some of the state's elected leaders have tried over the years to disenfranchise the voting rights of residents who use mail-forwarding services. But it’s vitally important that people be allowed to exercise their rights to vote and to travel – without repercussions to either.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights
Jan 22, 2025

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
Jan 16, 2025

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.
Issue Areas: Free Speech, Privacy and Technology
Nov 04, 2024

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
Oct 15, 2024

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."
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Oct 15, 2024

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.
Oct 11, 2024

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