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 06, 2023

ACLU of South Dakota Files Constitutional Challenge to South Dakota’s Vanity Plate Law

The First Amendment prevents arbitrary decision-making when it comes to expression. Although no one likes to be offended, it’s dangerous to allow the government to decide which speech is allowed and which should be censored.
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Oct 31, 2023

ACLU of South Dakota Condemns Noem’s Letter Asking NCAA to Revise Trans Sports Policy

Trans people belong everywhere – including sports. But does that mean that trans people should be used in a game of political football?
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Oct 16, 2023

ACLU Asking United Nations to Investigate Desecration of Sacred Black Hills Indigenous Sites

The ICCPR review is a unique opportunity to hold the United States accountable before an international forum. Our hope is that this review motivates federal and local leaders to make changes that respect and uphold individuals’ civil and political rights.
Issue Areas: Indigenous Justice
Sep 18, 2023

Libby Skarin Named Deputy Executive Director for ACLU of South Dakota, North Dakota and Wyoming

In this new role, 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 the three-state region.
Aug 29, 2023

Personalized License Plate Statute Violates First Amendment Rights of South Dakotans

Although only a few characters long, vanity plates are often used to convey a meaningful expression of the driver’s personal message, identity, values or sense of humor. Unfortunately, the state is censoring the free speech protected by the First Amendment.
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Jul 19, 2023

ACLU of South Dakota Condemns AG Letter Calling for Information on Out-of-State Abortions, Gender-Affirming Care

The government has no place inserting themselves between families and their doctors, whether the issue is reproductive care or medically necessary care for transgender youth.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom, LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Jun 07, 2023

ACLU Available to Comment During Sioux Falls Pride on Saturday

Sioux Falls will celebrate the culture and diversity of the LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit community at Pride on Saturday. There’s sure to be music, dancing and plenty of fun! But Pride is more than just a festival. It's also a time for people to recommit themselves to the long struggle for equality.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Apr 17, 2023

Board of Education Standard’s Vote on Social Studies Standards Disappointing, ACLU of South Dakota Says

Equal access to learning about Native American heritage and culture in our educational institutions is important. The ACLU supports the protection of students’ First Amendment rights to receive information as part of their education.
Issue Areas: Indigenous Justice, Free Speech