Press Release: ACLU of Utah and Holland & Hart Settle Civil Rights Lawsuit on Behalf of Donna Miller
Jul 13, 2021
ACLU of Utah and Holland & Hart Settle Civil Rights Lawsuit on Behalf of Donna Miller SALT LAKE CITY (July 14, 2021) – Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah Foundation, Inc. (ACLU) and Holland & Hart LLP announced a settlement in a civil rights lawsuit filed against the Murray City Police Department on behalf of Donna Miller, a 62-year-old Black woman.
Press Release: ACLU of Utah Statement on ‘Back the Blue’ Hate Crime Enhancement in Garfield County
Jul 12, 2021
ACLU of Utah Statement on ‘Back the Blue’ Hate Crime Enhancement in Garfield County July 12, 2021 | We are extremely troubled and disappointed by the recent decision of the Garfield County Attorney's office to add a hate crime enhancement to charges against an individual alleged to have stomped on a "Back the Blue" sign and ‘crumble[d] it in a destructive manner’ because a police officer alleges that she was 'smirking in an intimidating manner' towards him. This kind of charging decision sends an extremely chilling message to the community that the government will seek harsher punishment for people charged with crimes who disagree with police actions. This concern is even greater because we do not view the enhancement as supportable under the language of the statute. We consistently warn that enhancements are oftentimes used to single out unpopular groups or messages rather than provide protections for marginalized communities. This case...
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.
Upcoming Events
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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 29 at 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. MDT
ACLU News
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The Texas Legislature’s Culture War
Jul 30, 2021 | 13:18 pm
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Our Leaders Can Save Lives With the Stroke of a Pen
Jul 30, 2021 | 11:20 am
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Maine’s Facial Recognition Law Shows Bipartisan Support for Protecting Privacy
Jul 27, 2021 | 12:07 pm
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Diners Beware: That Meal May Cost You Your Privacy and Security
Jul 27, 2021 | 11:52 am
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“It’s Real, and People Are Dying”: Arkansas’ Fight for Reproductive Rights
Jul 26, 2021 | 13:41 pm
