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 09, 2024

Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Request ‘Reasonable and Legal’ In Redistricting Public Records Dispute

The South Dakota Office of Hearing Examiners has affirmed that to receive public records, the Oglala Sioux Tribe need not pay the City of Martin’s “outside legal fees incurred in producing the records.”
Issue Areas: Indigenous Justice, Voting Rights
Feb 07, 2024

ACLU Comments on House Committee Vote to Condemn Citizen-Led Ballot Initiative

South Dakotans have the right to make direct change through citizen-led ballot initiatives and weigh in on issues that impact their lives. Whether or not they agree with the subject of the ballot initiative, legislators should respect the process and not use their bully pulpit to intervene.
Feb 07, 2024

Politicians – Not Parents and Pediatricians – Will Continue to Make Medical Decisions for Trans Youth in South Dakota

Ignoring strong opposition from medical experts, parents, trans youth and advocates, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted to kill Senate Bill 216, legislation that would have given parents the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of their children with gender dysphoria.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Feb 01, 2024

Not in Our Names: A Joint Statement Against Texas’ Cruelty at the Border

ACLU affiliates issue a response to Republican governors’ escalation on immigration enforcement
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Feb 01, 2024

ACLU of South Dakota Supports Legislation to Amend Gender-Affirming Care Law

Senate Bill 216 would allow doctors to provide puberty blockers or hormonal treatment – nonsurgical medical care consistent with prevailing medical and scientific standards – to trans kids only with parental consent.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Jan 24, 2024

House Committee Supports Freedom of Speech and Expression, Kills HB 1113

It’s impossible to define lewd and lascivious in a way that isn’t hopelessly vague and subjective, and government officials cannot impose their personal moral values on others. We're thrilled that legislators on the House State Affairs Committee agreed.
Issue Areas: Free Speech, LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Jan 22, 2024

Postcards to Politicians: ACLU to Host Letter Writing Party in Vermillion

Communicating directly with our elected officials is a powerful advocacy tactic and can be very effective in making change in our state. We want to make sure South Dakota voices are heard.
Jan 16, 2024

Carter Linke Joins ACLU of South Dakota as Advocacy Intern

Linke will work alongside ACLU advocacy staff on a variety of issues and be responsible for tracking the movement of the ACLU's priority legislation, monitoring committee hearings and floor sessions, and facilitating communication with stakeholders, legislators, and coalition partners.
Jan 09, 2024

ACLU of South Dakota Announces 2024 Legislative Priorities

The ACLU’s educational, organizing and lobbying efforts will be focused primarily on voting rights, free speech and expression, LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit equality, Indigenous sovereignty and justice, and bodily autonomy and abortion rights.
Issue Areas: Free Speech, Indigenous Justice, LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights, Reproductive Freedom, Voting Rights