News & Commentary

It’s a joyous day to be living in America today. To be part of a historical moment when the highest court of the nation affirms a fundamental civil right; that all people who choose to marry, regardless of gender or sexual orientation can do so with the full protection of the law.  This is a momentous win for freedom, equality, inclusion, and above all, love. We can celebrate that our nation has made a monumental step to honor its promise that all people have the right to the pursuit of happiness, liberty and justice for all.

Thousands of defendants left without representation at critical points in their prosecutionBOISE, Idaho – The ACLU, the ACLU of Idaho, and the global law firm Hogan Lovells filed a class action lawsuit against the state of Idaho asking the court to force the state to fix its unconstitutional system of public defense, which deprives thousands of Idahoans of their Sixth Amendment right to adequate legal representation and withholds the resources needed by public defenders throughout the state to effectively represent those prosecuted by state government.

Graduation and prom dress standards in some schools raise constitutional free speech concernsBOISE, Idaho—The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Idaho today released new resources for Idaho public school students and sent a letter to public school district superintendents statewide to alert and remind them to review all school dress policies to ensure compliance with constitutional standards. The ACLU of Idaho was recently alerted to discriminatory dress code standards for high school graduation that, for example, require girls to wear dresses and boys to wear pants.

Originally published in the Idaho Statesman on May 7, 2015. Link here.By: Ritchie Eppink, Legal Director, ACLU of Idaho

Advocates Ask Court for Judgment in Suit Against Law That Silences Industry Whistle-Blowers

Estefania got involved with the ACLU because she witnessed, first hand, how we treat immigrants in Idaho. Her path led her to strengthen the ACLU in North Idaho and make changes on the political front. 

We find ourselves battling stereotypes and outrageous laws criminalizing our homeless population. Find out more about what the ACLU is doing about it by reading Larry’s story. 

Diane’s story about braving the discrimination Idaho has instilled through their policies and lack of equality-based education is moving. Please learn more about what you can do to help our LGBT friends and family members. 

None of our supporters agree with 100% of the ACLU’s issues. Read Michael’s story to learn about his tumultuous love affair with our complex organization.