Across Utah, 2023 saw both new and ongoing challenges to civil rights, whether it was reproductive freedom, access to gender-affirming health care, or the ability to speak openly and freely in classrooms. But the ACLU of Utah has been there every step of the way, and we’ve seen many victories amid these challenges. Throughout the year, we brought attention to some of the state's biggest fights to protect our rights, shared content to mobilize Utahns to join the fight for our freedoms, and celebrated hard-won battles. Look back with us on some of the civil rights moments that defined this year.
How Important is Language Access to Protecting Your Civil Rights and Liberties?
Language access is essential to our rights. Everyone has a right to dignity, respect, and equitable treatment regardless of whether they speak, read, write, or understand English.
10 Books Utah Politicians Don’t Want You To Read
Join the ACLU of Utah’s Banned Book Club by reading these 10 books facing bans and challenges in Utah schools.
Understanding The Ongoing Litigation For Abortion Care In Utah
On August 8, the Utah Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether the injunction blocking the trigger ban should be upheld. Read our FAQ to understand our ongoing litigation for abortion care in Utah.
Interpretation & Translation As A Right: Examining Language Access Policies Across Utah's Law Enforcement Landscape
An ACLU of Utah report that analyzes the policies of Utah law enforcement agencies (LEAs), including sheriff's offices, police departments, and the Utah Highway Patrol, that govern interactions with individuals who are considered to have "Limited English Proficiency".
Anti-Trans Laws in Utah Prompted This Youth Activist to Start Organizing
ACLU of Utah's Communications Director, Aaron Welcher, worked with Utah teen and LGBTQ+ activist Veronica Takenaka and journalist Nora Neua for this special feature in Teen Vouge.
Share Your Transcript: Let Transgender People Speak For Themselves
Books and critical classroom discussions are being banned across the country — but this South Carolina teacher isn’t backing down.
Your Right To Learn: Protect Against Classroom Censorship
In recent years, elected officials have moved to censor classrooms across Utah. They're trying to restrict students and teachers from discussing race, gender, and sexual orientation in public schools. At the same time, politicians and school boards are moving to ban books—predominately those by Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ authors— from public schools and libraries. Young people must see themselves and their experiences reflected in their classrooms and the books they read.
Know Your Rights: Tribal Regalia
Graduation from high school is a pivotal, once-in-a-lifetime achievement. For Indigenous students, this moment can be dampened by school dress codes that prohibit them from wearing tribal regalia at graduation. We have listed ways to defend your rights to wear tribal regalia in Utah.
Amicus Brief in Barrani v. Salt Lake City
The ACLU’s State Supreme Court Initiative and Trone Center for Justice and Equality, along with the ACLU of Utah and the Salt Lake Legal Defenders Association, filed an amicus brief defending the civil rights and liberties of people experiencing homelessness in Salt Lake City, Utah.
A Win For Southern Utah Drag Stars In Court; Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction For Event Permit
Quite simply, drag is protected by the First Amendment. The City of St. George’s selective and discriminatory refusal to permit a family-friendly drag event impermissibly silenced LGBTQ+ Utahns and violated our client's constitutional rights.