The Advocacy Academy is a series of comprehensive virtual trainings and community hours designed to teach people how to make a difference in their community on a state and local level.

While proponents say House Bill 1028 streamlines the permitting process by the Water Management Board, the bill actually stifles public participation by only allowing those who are “uniquely injured” by the water use to testify during hearings.

How will the State of South Dakota ensure that the rights of the people planning to peacefully protest the Keystone XL Pipeline are protected?

The ACLU of South Dakota opposes House Bill 1117 and is concerned that that this legislation will be applied in a manner that violates the Constitution.

No one should have to fear the government coming after them for exercising their First Amendment rights. But two bills advancing through the South Dakota Legislature would do just that.

House Bill 1117 would intimidate peaceful protesters and chip away at their constitutional rights.

House Bill 1117 and the narrative surrounding it only creates a state of fear that pits activists and organizers who are exercising their First Amendment rights against government officials and law enforcement.

The South Dakota Legislature does not need to pass laws that would intimidate peaceful protesters and chip away at their constitutional rights.

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.