Media Releases & Statements

The ACLU of Iowa has staff in Des Moines to handle inquiries from journalists on issues affecting civil rights and civil liberties in Iowa.

Media inquiries should be sent via email to editor@aclu-ia.org or contact Communications Director Veronica Fowler at 515-207-0586.

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J.J. Kapur Wins the ACLU of Iowa’s Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award

Des Moines, Iowa — When Jeevanjot "J.J." Kapur (pronounced ka-PUR) was two years old, he thought he saw his father on television. It was actually Osama bin Laden.

July 14, 2017

Marion County Attorney Forced to Drop "Sexting" Charges Against Teen Girl and to Pay Attorney Fees

Knoxville, Iowa — The ACLU of Iowa is pleased to announce an agreement with Marion County Attorney Ed Bull not to prosecute a 14-year-old Knoxville girl, who he threatened with criminal charges after she texted two photos of herself—that depicted no nudity—to a boy.

July 13, 2017

Iowa Immigrants' Rights Win in Iowa Supreme Court

Today, in deciding the case of Martha Martinez, the Iowa Supreme Court issued a sounding rebuke to the Muscatine County Attorney for illegally prosecuting a Dreamer for her employment in conflict with federal law.

June 9, 2017

Newton High School Apologizes, Pledges Education After “Love Trumps Hate” Student Free Speech Incident

The ACLU of Iowa is pleased to announce that it has resolved the case involving a Newton High School transgender student who was belittled and reprimanded after he wrote a political message on his arm.

May 22, 2017

Newton High School Agrees to ACLU of Iowa Demands for Education of Students/Parents Following “Love Trumps Hate” Student Free Speech Incident

Newton, Iowa — The ACLU of Iowa is pleased to announce that it has resolved the case involving a Newton High School transgender student who was belittled and reprimanded after he wrote a political message on his arm.

May 22, 2017

ACLU and Planned Parenthood Win Temporary Injunction on Portions of Iowa Abortion Law

Our lawyers worked deep into the night, alongside Planned Parenthood, to successfully ask the Iowa Supreme Court first thing this morning for an emergency, temporary injunction to block portions of Iowa's new, harmful abortion law from being enacted.

May 5, 2017