Defending everyone's rights and freedoms.

“Freedom of expression is the matrix, the indispensable condition, of nearly every other form of freedom.” —U.S. Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo in Palko v. Connecticut The First Amendment is a cornerstone of American democracy. It allows us to express our views, challenge authority, and engage in public debate. In recent years, however, these freedoms have come under intense scrutiny. We’ve seen book challenges in our communities, concerns about government retaliation against journalists and activists, and efforts to show preference to particular religious views in our schools. This is why understanding what the First Amendment protects is more important than ever. On Thursday, April 23, we will premiere a new training to better inform North Dakotans of their rights under the First Amendment and empower them to be able to take action to defend our freedoms in their communities. By completing this training, North Dakotans will be equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to better advocate for themselves regarding their First Amendment rights. This training will cover what those rights are, where they apply, who they apply to and scenarios where limitations and restrictions can occur. Are you ready to defend our free society? Join us by registering now.

Community, connections, and conversation are on tap at Thomas and Moriarty’s in Mandan. But happy hour won’t be as happy without you! Join us on Friday, April 24 for Liberty & Libations. This is your chance to socialize with advocates and changemakers and learn how the ACLU’s mission is working to make an impact in North Dakota. We’ll share a bit about our current priorities, but we want to hear from you to learn more about the issues you care most about. We are also excited to be joined by our partners from Gender Justice and the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition ahead of the weekend’s second annual People’s Session. Change happens in our communities when we talk to each other and share our ideas. Let’s raise a glass to each other and to the work we can do together. P.S. The first 30 people who RSVP will be entered in a drawing for ACLU swag!

Censorship isn’t freedom. North Dakotans need to reject continued attempts from behind closed doors to challenge and ban books.

As book challenges and classroom censorship bills spread across the country, we’re fighting back in courts, statehouses, communities, and schools and now with our book club, too.