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].

Nov 13, 2019

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.
Nov 4, 2019

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!
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Nov 1, 2019

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.
Oct 29, 2019

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
Oct 24, 2019

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
Oct 3, 2019

Candi Brings Plenty Joins ACLU as Indigenous Justice Organizer

Candi Brings Plenty has joined the American Civil Liberties Union as the organization’s new indigenous justice organizer for South Dakota and North Dakota.
Sep 24, 2019

ACLU of South Dakota’s Libby Skarin selected to South Dakota Change Network cohort

Libby Skarin, the ACLU of South Dakota’s policy director, has been selected as one of 17 South Dakotans to participate in the South Dakota Change Network’s newest cohort.
Sep 23, 2019

Prison Policy Initiative report highlights need for criminal justice reform in South Dakota

While the statistics are important to identify trends in criminal activity and aid in crime prevention and enforcement efforts, the ACLU of South Dakota says the stats highlight the need for criminal justice reform.
Issue Areas: Smart Justice
Sep 18, 2019

Federal Court Blocks South Dakota Laws Suppressing Pipeline Protests

A federal court blocked enforcement of the unconstitutional provisions of several South Dakota laws, including the recently-enacted “Riot Boosting” Act, that threaten activists who encourage or organize protests, particularly protests of the Keystone XL pipeline.
Issue Areas: Free Speech