Press Releases

ACLU of South Dakota opposes City Council’s repeal of presumptive probation

The ACLU of South Dakota opposes the repeal of presumptive probation. Repealing presumptive probation would not benefit Sioux Falls or help combat addiction in the state.
Issue Areas: Smart Justice

ACLU of South Dakota available to comment during Lakota Nation Invitational this week

Basketball is the name of the game at Lakota Nation Invitational, but there’s more to LNI than just hoops.

Community Forum to Focus on Barriers Formerly Incarcerated People Face After Prison

Formerly incarcerated people are subject to punishments, exclusions and restrictions that impair their ability to live their lives unencumbered. Re-entry is a lifetime process, but it shouldn’t be.
Issue Areas: Smart Justice

ACLU of South Dakota to Host LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Know Your Rights Forum in Vermillion

This interactive, all-inclusive forum will provide an overview of LGBTQ+ rights, how to exercise them and what to do when your rights are violated on campus or in your communities.

ACLU of South Dakota to Host Virtual Activist Academy Trainings This Month

With an eye toward South Dakota’s upcoming legislative session, Activist Academy attendees will learn about the legislative process and how they can best influence elected officials as well as how they can be year-round advocates of the issues they care most about.

Open Mic Night to Showcase Diverse LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Stories

Everyone has a story to tell. It’s time to take the mic and share yours!

ACLU Statement on Petition Asking SCOTUS to Halt Charles Rhines’ Execution

Anti-gay bias played an undeniable role in Charles Rhines’ death sentence. This is irrevocably at odds with our Constitution and values.

Federal Judge Approves Settlement in ACLU’s First Amendment Challenge to South Dakota’s Anti-Protest Laws

U.S. District Judge Lawrence Piersol approved the settlement that says South Dakota won’t enforce current state laws that prohibit protected speech and are aimed at suppressing protests against the Keystone XL pipeline.
Issue Areas: Free Speech

South Dakota Governor Drops Anti-Protest Laws in Settlement Agreement with ACLU

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg today backed down from their unconstitutional attempts to silence protesters.
Issue Areas: Free Speech