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As the leading civil rights organization in our state, we at the ACLU of Iowa believe it is our duty to keep 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.

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Nov 30, 2023

We’re Suing to Stop Iowa’s Book Banning, Anti-LGBTQ Law

Student Rights
Public school students have a First Amendment right to speak, read, and learn freely. Our state should not remove books or ban discussions from schools because a group of people find them offensive.
Public school students have a First Amendment right to speak, read, and learn freely. Our state should not remove books or ban discussions from schools because a group of people find them offensive.
Richard, Puck, and Ulrike Carlson
Richard, Puck, and Ulrike Carlson
Sep 28, 2023

Iowa Should Pay for Emergency Contraception After Sexual Assault

Reproductive Freedom
There's no room for politics after someone has been raped.
There's no room for politics after someone has been raped.
abortion pill
abortion pill
Mar 8, 2023

Marshalltown Student Wins Our Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award

Student Rights
Natalie is being honored for starting a Latina feminist organization called M.U.J.E.R.E.S. at her high school.
Natalie is being honored for starting a Latina feminist organization called M.U.J.E.R.E.S. at her high school.
Natalie Andrade
Natalie Andrade
Mar 8, 2023

Johnston Student Wins Our Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award

Student Rights
Waverly is being honored for leading student protests and school board advocacy efforts for Johnston Community of Racial Equity (CORE).
Waverly is being honored for leading student protests and school board advocacy efforts for Johnston Community of Racial Equity (CORE).
Waverly Zhao
Waverly Zhao
Jan 13, 2023

From the Archives: Defending the Right to Strike

Free Speech
In 1938, what was then called the Iowa Civil Liberties Union helped defend the right to strike for Maytag workers.
In 1938, what was then called the Iowa Civil Liberties Union helped defend the right to strike for Maytag workers.
Nov 3, 2022

Transgender Youth in Iowa: The Hansons, Des Moines

LGBTQ Rights
Holly Hanson poses this question to anti-trans politicians: "Who are you, someone who doesn’t even know us, to tell my family what is best for us, for our child?"
Holly Hanson poses this question to anti-trans politicians: "Who are you, someone who doesn’t even know us, to tell my family what is best for us, for our child?"
hanson family
hanson family