ACLU of Utah - Newsroom

Don’t Shut Down Our Voices A statement from Black Lives Matter Utah and the ACLU of Utah Yesterday, amidst mounting criticism by community members, Mayor Mendenhall did the right thing by lifting the curfew order for Salt Lake City. And yet, we know the curfew caused harm to Black, Brown, refugee and immigrant communities who are already overpoliced and disproportionately affected by the current pandemic. More policing directly leads to more policing of Black and Brown people. The ACLU of Utah feels privileged to have heard from these communities and use our platform to reflect these facts. The city’s curfew was the wrong approach for several reasons. By picking and choosing the kinds of activities that were allowed, the curfew ended up targeting only free speech, assembly, and other protest activities. People who have cars to drive, people who feel comfortable talking to police, and people who can assume they won’t be targeted by law enforcement did not consider the curfew a big deal. Residents of the predominantly white or otherwise insulated neighborhoods of Salt Lake City felt free to violate the curfew order without risk of arrest and freely enjoyed the very public spaces that the curfew forbade. We know…

Tagged under

Press Releases

Update on the Petition for Extraordinary Relief Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

14 May 2020 Published in Newsroom

PRESS RELEASE May 14, 2020 In a filing on Wednesday with the Utah Supreme Court, the ACLU of Utah, the Disability Law Center, and the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers requested voluntary dismissal of the remaining counties from the current lawsuit. This decision is based on new information related to COVID-19 policies and practices provided to the Court that demonstrates that most counties in Utah are now in substantial compliance with the petition's requested relief, which included releasing prisoners and taking additional safety measures.

Tagged under

Press Releases

Our Public Comment on HB 3006 (COVID-19 Special Session)

15 April 2020 Published in Newsroom

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. Even amidst a national pandemic, it is crucial that we maintain fair and accessible elections. We applaud the Utah legislature for having the foresight to enact universal vote by mail in our state long before it became such an essential option for voters during this public health crisis. However, while the state and local government must take steps to protect the health and safety of voters and poll workers, we are concerned that HB 3006 will disproportionately disenfranchise low income voters, voters needing language and other assistance, rural voters and indigenous voters by eliminating in-person polling.

Tagged under

Legislative Work

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 Recommendations for Utah Sheriffs

26 March 2020 Published in Newsroom

PRESS RELASE: COVID-19 Recommendations for Utah Sheriffs March 26, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The ACLU of Utah has called on all sheriffs in Utah to exercise their authority to protect the people who are, will soon become, and who may remain incarcerated during the current pandemic. Among the measures suggested are for sheriffs to: Ensure that their correctional facilities are as empty, safe, and clean as possible; Ensure that all facilities have adequate supplies of soap, hand sanitizer, tissues, and other hygiene products all provided free of charge. Implement procedures to care for those who become ill in their facilities, including: screening and testing of people for COVID-19, increasing access to medical care and removing all copays; obtaining access to the medication and equipment necessary to treat those who contract the virus; and immediately transferring sick patients to outside facilities for care when necessary; and putting into place non-punitive procedures for housing people who are exposed to the virus, who are at high risk of serious illness, or who screen or test positive for COVID-19. The ACLU of Utah has also called on sheriffs to take steps to avoid taking new pre-trial detainees and holds from other agencies into…

Tagged under

Press Releases

PRESS RELASE: COVID-19 and the Criminal Justice System in Utah

21 March 2020 Published in Newsroom

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 and the Criminal Justice System in Utah March 21, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dear Criminal Justice Policy Officials and Stakeholders, As the novel strain of coronavirus continues to spread across the United States, and as more public and private actors take drastic steps to combat this pandemic, we urge you to develop and implement holistic policies that align with guidance from public health experts and that will minimize the harm inflicted on people involved in the criminal legal system – and, by extension, the harm inflicted on broader communities. Like all other public agencies, all aspects of the system – from policing and pretrial through sentencing, confinement, and release – will come under intense scrutiny for how the system responds to this national public health crisis. As of yesterday, it was reported that COVID-19 has spread to prisons and a jail in the United States, infecting personnel and inmates. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions – such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes – or who are otherwise immuno-compromised are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from…

Tagged under

Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE: July 10 Panel Discussion on Officer-Involved Shootings in Utah

26 June 2019 Published in Newsroom

PRESS RELEASE: July 10 Panel Discussion on Officer-Involved Shootings in UtahJune 27, 2019FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOn Wednesday, July 10, a panel of activists and law enforcement will sit down at the University of Utah’s College of Social Work to discuss why Utah experienced a record-number of fatal police shootings, also called Officer-Involved Critical Incidents, in 2018. The panelists will include: Lex Scott from Black Lives Matter-Utah Chief Mike Brown, Salt Lake City Police Department Dave Newlin from Utah Against Police Brutality Josianne Petit from Mama and Papa Panther The event is organized by the ACLU of Utah's Campaign for Smart Justice, the Libertas Institute, and the University of Utah's Students Against Mass Incarceration. The cycle of fatal police shooting, investigation, and public reaction repeated 19 times in Utah in 2018, the deadliest year for police shootings in the 15 years of records kept by the Salt Lake Tribune. For comparison, six Utahns were killed by law enforcement in 2017. For more information about these incidents and the overall trend, read "The Deadliest Year," the ACLU of Utah's investigative report on the surge in fatal police shootings in 2018. Officer-Involved Shootings in Utah: A Panel DiscussionWednesday, July 10, 20196-8pm (doors open at 5:45pm)University of Utah College of Social Work,Room SW 134RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/2456459401307663/Map: https://map.utah.edu/?buildingnumber=26 Download this press release as a PDF…

Tagged under

Press Releases

Press Statement on Today’s Court Decision in 18-Week Ban Case

20 June 2019 Published in Newsroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2019 PPAU Contact: Katrina Barker, Communications & Marketing Manager385-499-1928 (cell) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ACLU of Utah Contact:Jason Stevenson, Strategic Communications Manager617-290-8188 (cell)This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Download a PDF of this press statement (PDF) Statement from Karrie Galloway, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood Association of Utah:“We are disappointed in the Court’s decision today to lengthen this process by granting the State’s request for documents and other information from our organization. However, the Court stressed that today’s decision did not reflect how it will ultimately rule in the case. We remain confident that this 18-week abortion ban is unconstitutional, and we will continue to fight to protect the constitutional right to safe and legal abortion.” Statement from Leah Farrell, Senior Staff Attorney of the ACLU of Utah: “The Court’s decision to allow a limited request by the State Defendants’ for documents on these unrelated topics adds nothing to the lawsuit but time. This case will ultimately be decided on relevant facts and legal precedent, and both make clear that this ban violates the rights of Utah women.” Frequently Asked Questions about the legal challenge to H.B. 136. Download a PDF of this press statement (PDF) ### The ACLU of Utah Foundation, Inc. chartered in 1958…

Tagged under

Press Releases

ACLU of Utah Letter to Heber City About “Pride in the Wasatch Back” Banners

10 June 2019 Published in Newsroom

June 10, 2019 Dear Mayor Potter and Heber City Council: The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah (ACLU of Utah) would like to add our perspective to the public discussion about the “Pride in the Wasatch Back” banners displayed on city lampposts on Heber City’s Main Street.

Tagged under

Press Releases

Press Release: Federal Judge Enters Injunction Allowing Abortion After 18 Weeks to Continue in Utah

18 April 2019 Published in Newsroom

SALT LAKE CITY – Today, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, Judge Clark Waddoups entered a preliminary injunction to stop enforcement of H.B. 136, a harmful law that bans abortion after 18 weeks.

Tagged under

Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE: ACLU of Utah Says Lawsuit Inevitable if 18-Week Abortion Ban Is Signed into Law

13 March 2019 Published in Newsroom

American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Utah (ACLU of Utah) issued the following statement after the passage of HB136 (Abortion Amendments) by the Utah Legislature earlier tonight: Download a PDF of this press release (PDF) The ACLU of Utah believes that laws banning abortion prior to viability, like HB136, are in clear violation of a woman’s constitutionally protected right to an abortion. And the courts agree. The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently held for over 40 years that states may not ban abortion prior to viability. The Court has also made clear that states are prohibited from drawing a line at a particular number of weeks to establish fetal viability. When the Utah Legislature passed a law in the early 1990s to ban abortions after 20 weeks, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled it was unconstitutional. This means legal challenges to HB136 have direct case law, on point, within our circuit, that pre-viability abortion restrictions are unconstitutional. If HB136 is signed into law, the ACLU of Utah, together with our partners in the state, will pursue a lawsuit in federal court to stop this violation of a woman’s constitutionally protected right to an abortion. Media Contacts (available tonight) Marina…

Tagged under

Press Releases

ACLU of Utah Statement on H.B. 153 “Utah Vital Statistics Act Amendments” (Rep. Nelson)

30 January 2019 Published in Newsroom

Downloadable version (PDF) January 23, 2019 ACLU of Utah Statement on H.B. 153 “Utah Vital Statistics Act Amendments” (Rep. Nelson) Note: H.B. 153 “Utah Vital Statistics Act Amendments” (Rep. M. Nelson) would limit an individual’s ability to change the sex listed on the person’s birth certificate. ACLU of Utah Statement “In addition to being completely out of step with science, medicine, and respect for basic human dignity, Rep. Nelson’s bill is unconstitutional. Last year federal judges in Idaho and Puerto Rico ruled that restrictive laws preventing people from updating the listed sex on a birth certificate violate the Equal Protection clause of U.S. Constitution. This unconstitutional bill does not further any rational governmental interest and unnecessarily targetstransgender, non-binary and intersex individuals. Like the infamous “bathroom bill” in North Carolina, the passage of this vindictive bill would bring a dangerous national spotlight on our state, resulting in unnecessary economic losses, potential boycotts and inevitable lawsuits.” Marina LoweACLU of Utah Legislative & Policy Counsel # # #

Tagged under

Press Releases

Federal Judge Rules ACLU of Utah Lawsuit Over Daggett County Prisoner Abuse Can Continue Against State Defendant

14 January 2019 Published in Newsroom

Federal Judge Rules ACLU of Utah Lawsuit Over Daggett County Prisoner Abuse Can Continue Against State Defendant

Tagged under

Press Releases

Disability Law Center and ACLU Reach Settlement to Strengthen Legal Representation for Guardianship Hearings in Utah

18 December 2018 Published in Newsroom

In November 2018, the Disability Law Center and the ACLU reached a settlement with the State of Utah to strengthen legal protections for adults with disabilities involved in guardianship proceedings with their parents.

Tagged under

Press Releases

ACLU of Utah Urges the Utah Legislature to Let the Independent Redistricting Commission Do Its Job

20 November 2018 Published in Newsroom

We now urge the leadership and members of the Utah Legislature to respect the will of 500,000 Utah voters and let the independent redistricting commission do its job.

Tagged under

Press Releases

ACLU Survey Finds Some Counties in Utah Unprepared for Election Day Registration this November

11 October 2018 Published in Newsroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 11, 2018 In the wake of significant changes to voter registration deadlines and voting options approved earlier this year by the Utah legislature, the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah (ACLU of Utah) today expressed concerns on whether all county clerks are ready to implement these modifications.

Tagged under

ACLU of Utah opposes work requirements in Utah Medicaid waiver proposal

03 August 2018 Published in Newsroom

On Friday, August 4, 2018, the ACLU of Utah submitted a public statement in opposition to the work requirements requested in the "1115 Primary Care Network Demonstration Waiver."

Tagged under

Press Releases

Utah Pride Center and ACLU of Utah to Host Special Training to Safeguard Gender Diverse Youth in Utah Schools

03 July 2018 Published in Newsroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 3, 2018 Salt Lake City | On July 12ththeACLU of Utah and Utah Pride Center will conduct a special training taught by trans advocates and trans youth about how to create safe learning environments for trans students at school. This event will be held at the new Utah Pride Center office at 1380 Main Street in Salt Lake City from 5PM-8PM. The program is free, but participants can RSVP at Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/257610634988779/ The organizers are inviting all students, educators, parents, counselors, administrators, school board members, and community members to participate in this training in order to propel a cultural change in Utah schools. “Trans youth are everywhere in Utah—in our churches, in our communities, and in our schools,” said Ermiya Fanaeian, co-founder of March For Our Lives SLC and a co-leader of the training. “This workshop will give educational stakeholders insight into the personal experiences of trans students and a toolkit for how they can make their school environment more welcoming and supportive for all students.” Also leading the training will be Jimmy Lee, the Youth Programs Coordinator at the Utah Pride Center. The training will be followed by a panel discussion featuring perspectives from…

Tagged under

Press Releases

Historic June 2018 Primary Election in San Juan County, UT

22 June 2018 Published in Newsroom

On Tuesday June 26th voters in San Juan County, Utah will go to the polls to cast their votes in a historic primary election. This will be the first election using new district boundaries for the county commission and school board. These new districts were created after a lawsuit filed by the Navajo Nation successfully challenged the previous district boundaries.

Tagged under

Press Releases

ACLU of Utah and Disability Law Center File Lawsuit To Make Jail Standards Public

30 May 2018 Published in Newsroom

ACLU of Utah and Disability Law Center File Lawsuit To Make Jail Standards Public

Tagged under

Press Releases

Press Release: ACLU of Utah’s Campaign for Smart Justice Receives Questionnaire Responses from Prosecutor Candidates

30 May 2018 Published in Newsroom

PRESS RELEASE: ACLU of Utah’s Campaign for Smart Justice Receives Questionnaire Responses from Prosecutor Candidates May 29, 2018 Salt Lake City | On May 30 the ACLU of Utah’s Campaign for Smart Justice is publishing candidate responses to its prosecutor questionnaire that was sent to every county prosecutor candidate in Utah. The questionnaire asked candidates’ positions on ending mass incarceration, addressing racial disparities, and accountability for prosecutorial misconduct. “Elections for county prosecutors often don’t receive the attention they deserve,” explains Jason Groth, the Smart Justice Coordinator at the ACLU of Utah. “But a single prosecutor sets the tone and assigns the priorities for how criminal justice is pursued for thousands of Utahns.” Ten county prosecutor candidates from Beaver, Grand, Iron, Salt Lake, Uintah, Utah, and Wasatch counties responded to the questionnaire. Contested races provided responses from multiple candidates, including both Salt Lake County general election candidates Sim Gill and Nathan Evershed. All three Wasatch County challengers to incumbent County Attorney Scott Sweat responded ahead of their Republican Primary Debate on June 5, which will be hosted by the ACLU of Utah’s Campaign for Smart Justice and Alliance for a Better Utah’s Education Fund. The results of the questionnaire will be published on…

Tagged under

Press Releases

Page 1 of 10

Moving Justice Forward For 60 Years!

Newsroom

ACLU of Utah in the Media:

Prior Years: [2017] [2018]

December 2019

November 2019

October 2019

September 2019

August 2019

July 2019

June 2019

May 2019

March 2019

February 2019

January 2019

Don’t Shut Down Our Voices | A statement from Black Lives Matter Utah and the ACLU of Utah

Update on the Petition for Extraordinary Relief Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Our Public Comment on HB 3006 (COVID-19 Special Session)

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 Recommendations for Utah Sheriffs

PRESS RELASE: COVID-19 and the Criminal Justice System in Utah

PRESS RELEASE: July 10 Panel Discussion on Officer-Involved Shootings in Utah

Press Statement on Today’s Court Decision in 18-Week Ban Case

ACLU of Utah Letter to Heber City About “Pride in the Wasatch Back” Banners

Press Release: Federal Judge Enters Injunction Allowing Abortion After 18 Weeks to Continue in Utah

PRESS RELEASE: ACLU of Utah Says Lawsuit Inevitable if 18-Week Abortion Ban Is Signed into Law

ACLU of Utah Statement on H.B. 153 “Utah Vital Statistics Act Amendments” (Rep. Nelson)

Federal Judge Rules ACLU of Utah Lawsuit Over Daggett County Prisoner Abuse Can Continue Against State Defendant

Disability Law Center and ACLU Reach Settlement to Strengthen Legal Representation for Guardianship Hearings in Utah

ACLU of Utah Urges the Utah Legislature to Let the Independent Redistricting Commission Do Its Job

ACLU Survey Finds Some Counties in Utah Unprepared for Election Day Registration this November

ACLU of Utah opposes work requirements in Utah Medicaid waiver proposal

Utah Pride Center and ACLU of Utah to Host Special Training to Safeguard Gender Diverse Youth in Utah Schools

Historic June 2018 Primary Election in San Juan County, UT

ACLU of Utah and Disability Law Center File Lawsuit To Make Jail Standards Public

Press Release: ACLU of Utah’s Campaign for Smart Justice Receives Questionnaire Responses from Prosecutor Candidates

Get Involved

Utah Issues