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].

Jan 9, 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
Jan 4, 2024

City of Martin Imposes Extreme Stipulations on Oglala Sioux Tribe Records Request; ACLU, NARF and Public Counsel Appealing City’s Demands

The City of Martin, S.D., wants the Oglala Sioux Tribe to either waive its sovereign immunity or pay an unknown amount of exorbitant attorneys and administrative fees upfront in order to receive public records related to the city’s new redistricting map.
Issue Areas: Indigenous Justice, Voting Rights
Dec 11, 2023

ACLU Announces Settlement Agreement with State in Challenge to Vanity Plate Law

The state of South Dakota will no longer be putting the brakes on personalized license plate applications because they might carry “connotations offensive to good taste and decency.”
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Nov 6, 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