From defending abortion access and protestors’ free speech to protecting voting rights and exposing systemic abuses, we fought nonstop for civil rights in Utah in 2024. With the release of our 2024 Annual Report, you can see our topmost impactful metrics for the year on behalf of “We the People.”
2024 was a significant year in our work to safeguard all people’s civil rights and civil liberties in Utah. Attacks on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, reproductive rights, free speech, and voting rights were rampant in Utah and are likely to increase in the coming year. While facing an incoming administration that is unfriendly towards constitutional rights is concerning, it’s essential to remember that we can find hope and resilience even in challenging times. As detailed in our Annual Report, our work and partnerships over the past year have helped ensure that abortion remains legal in Utah through 18 weeks, strengthened mail-in voting as an accessible option for Utahns, and held county jail officials accountable for the egregious abuse of incarcerated individuals. We also successfully challenged restrictions on free speech, including the denial of municipal permits for drag performances and the use of force against protestors on college campuses.
We are ready to tackle ongoing and future threats to Utahns’ fundamental rights, including efforts to impose censorship in classrooms and threats to our voting system. While this work will be challenging and complex, we are prepared to meet it head-on.
The ACLU has upheld individuals’ rights and freedoms for over a century, and we are proud and committed to ensuring that our civil rights and liberties continue to hold meaning. On behalf of our staff and Board of Directors, I want to extend my deep appreciation for your support. We hope you enjoy our 2024 Annual Report and are inspired by our progress.