11/28/2011

US Senate considers National Defense Authorization Act

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is being considered on the US Senate floor as we speak and may come up for a vote as soon as Monday, Nov. 28. Sens Conrad (ND), Johnson (SD), and Hoeven (ND) are key targets for the ACLU on this bill, and we need YOUR HELP in reaching out to their offices and urge them to vote the right way.

11/01/2011

SD Secretary of State's Office Fails Voters (Again)

State Has One Week To Fix Breach of Contract SIOUX FALLS - South Dakotans with felony convictions continue to have their voting rights crushed by the Secretary of State's office despite a lawsuit agreement with the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota. This voting rights infringement is most clearly evidenced on the Secretary of State's Web site, which states: "In order to register [to vote] you must… not serving (sic) a felony sentence." The statement is false and is not the law in the state of South Dakota, which allows for certain classes of felons and those who have completed their sentences to vote.

10/27/2011

Indian Child Welfare Act Violations Prompts ACLU Investigation Into South Dakota Foster Care System

ACLU Seeks Input from American Indian Families With Children in DSS SIOUX FALLS, SD - The appalling treatment of American Indian children, family, and tribes by the South Dakota Department of Social Services as described in recent NPR News reports has prompted the ACLU of South Dakota to investigate the actions as violations of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The NPR News series, "Native Foster Care: Lost Children, Shattered Families," explains how American Indian children represent more than half of all children in foster care, yet account for less than 15 percent of the state's total child population. The report also features interviews from tribal members who recall DSS officials driving onto the reservation, removing children from homes, and preventing contact with family.

10/17/2011

ACLU of South Dakota Announces New Communications and Advocacy Directors

SIOUX FALLS – The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota announced today the recent hiring of Tiffany Campbell and Taté Walker as directors of advocacy and communications, respectively.