ACLU of Utah

Moving Justice Forward For 60 Years!

Stories from the Inside: Incarceration in the time of COVID-19

Jun 07, 2021

Stories from the Inside: Incarceration in the time of COVID-19. Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic created the unique challenge for the ACLU of Utah to understand the extent and damage caused by virus outbreaks in Utah’s jails and prisons. As a result, we have had to rely on letters from incarcerated individuals inside jails and prisons to tell us and others what is really happening.

Before Vaccine Passports Arrive to Utah, Here Are Our Concerns

May 26, 2021

As more Utahns gain access to COVID-19 vaccines, a logical next step is to rely on technological credentialing systems—accessed through a smartphone app or website—to confirm whether a person is vaccinated. While it may be tempting to seek shiny, high-tech solutions to create these “vaccine passports” in Utah, these decisions should be approached cautiously and with careful consideration to protect privacy, promote equity, and ensure transparency in any system.

Media Advisory: ACLU of Utah Statement on COVID-19 in Utah Jails

May 20, 2021

May 20, 2021 | As we stated in our open letter on April 27, 2021, there have been significant discrepancies in COVID-19 vaccine access for individuals incarcerated in Utah county jails. The ACLU of Utah has contacted every local health department in the state and many of the county jails regarding COVID-19 vaccine access. While some counties, such as Davis and San Juan, were able to administer vaccines to the majority of the individuals in their custody at an early stage, there have been serious outliers. Currently, the Weber-Morgan Health Department has not provided the Weber County Jail with any vaccines. The Weber County Jail was supposed to receive vaccines from the health department in April 2021. Weber County Jail officials have taken steps to secure vaccines for some of the jail’s population from other medical providers, and we commend their efforts.

Spring 2021 - Liberty Reporter E-Newsletter

May 10, 2021

The first digital edition of the ACLU of Utah's Liberty Reporter E-Newsletter is here...

Media Advisory: ACLU of Utah Request for Universal COVID-19 Vaccine Access in Utah Jails and Prisons

Apr 27, 2021

As Utah continues its efforts to defend against COVID-19, including to vaccinate as many people against it as possible, state and local governments must commit to focused efforts within historically underserved and vulnerable populations. It is especially critical that vaccination efforts include individuals being held in county jails and state prisons. For numerous reasons, state and county officials must provide access to the COVID-19 vaccine to every incarcerated person in the state.

Know Your Rights: Your Right to Protest (FAQ Edition)

Apr 20, 2021

Know Your Rights: Your Right to Protest (FAQ Edition) The right to protest and freedom of speech belongs to everyone. You have a constitutionally protected right to engage in protests. Read the following FAQ to make sure you know your rights.

The First Amendment Has Not Gone Away in Utah

Apr 20, 2021

[April 2021] Let us be clear: the First Amendment has not changed in Utah. The people of Utah today retain the same right to protest and engage in other activities protected by the First Amendment as they did in 2020. Why the confusion? Because some lawmakers in Utah and other states have reacted to calls for police reform by introducing numerous bills to try to limit people’s free speech rights. Many of these bills, for example, sought to expand the definitions and increase the penalties for “rioting,” aiming to chill lawful protest activities.[1] Other bills would extend legal protections to drivers who hit protestors with their vehicles.[2]

Love Your Rights Training Series

Apr 08, 2021

The ACLU of Utah is excited to announce a new series of educational events in 2021 to promote the ACLU’s library of “Know Your Rights” guides and information for all Utahns. The second event will be Episode 2: "Your Right to Protest," on Tuesday June 22 at 12 to 1 p.m. MDT

The ACLU of Utah operates through public education, legal advocacy, litigation, and lobbying to ensure the constitutional rights and freedoms of everyone living in or visiting Utah.

Upcoming Events

Love Your Rights Training Series

The ACLU of Utah is excited to announce a new series of educational events in 2021 to promote the ACLU’s library of “Know Your Rights” guides and information for all Utahns. The second event will be Episode 2: "Your Right to Protest," on Tuesday June 22 at 12 to 1 p.m. MDT

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