Our Recent Work

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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Feb 5, 2025

Why school police officers may not be the most effective way to prevent violence

Student Rights
Research shows school police officers may subconsciously make students feel less safe.
Research shows school police officers may subconsciously make students feel less safe.
SROs, school resource officer, police in schools
SROs, school resource officer, police in schools
Jan 28, 2025

Des Moines Student Wins Our Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award

Student Rights
Ivy Wishman, 17, of Des Moines, is a winner of the ACLU of Iowa Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award.
Ivy Wishman, 17, of Des Moines, is a winner of the ACLU of Iowa Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award.
Ivy Wishman
Ivy Wishman
Jan 28, 2025

West Des Moines Student Wins Our Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award

Student Rights
Danika Jacobsen, 19, of West Des Moines is a winner of the ACLU of Iowa Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award.
Danika Jacobsen, 19, of West Des Moines is a winner of the ACLU of Iowa Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award.
Danika Jacobsen
Danika Jacobsen
Nov 22, 2024

ACLU History: Shutting Down an Iowa Teacher Loyalty Oath

In February 1935, the ACLU of Iowa helped stop an unconstitutional Iowa teacher loyalty oath.
In February 1935, the ACLU of Iowa helped stop an unconstitutional Iowa teacher loyalty oath.
Students, State Representative Bourke Hickenlooper
Students, State Representative Bourke Hickenlooper
Nov 21, 2024

Immigration Status is Complicated

There are dozens of different immigration statuses that may apply to an individual, depending on political winds and government bureaucracy.
There are dozens of different immigration statuses that may apply to an individual, depending on political winds and government bureaucracy.
immigration, immigrant rights
immigration, immigrant rights
Nov 20, 2024

Protecting Voting Rights in the Face of Challenges

Voting Rights
Legal actions right before the election helped ensure voters weren’t improperly blocked.
Legal actions right before the election helped ensure voters weren’t improperly blocked.
voting sign
voting sign