Our Recent Work

As the leading civil rights organization in our state, we at the ACLU of Iowa believe it is our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.

Filter News

Fewer Immigrants Should be Detained During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Social distancing is nearly impossible to do in Iowa's jails and overcrowded prisons.

April 16, 2020

The ACLU and Planned Parenthood File Emergency Lawsuit to Keep Essential Abortion Procedures Available in Iowa During Pandemic

Iowans should be able to access essential, time-sensitive surgical abortion services during the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

March 30, 2020

More Incarcerated Iowans Should be Released During the COVID-19 Pandemic

A total of 26 Iowa advocacy organizations today sent a letter to state and county officials recommending that they follow the advice of public health experts to make changes to Iowa’s criminal justice

March 20, 2020

Key Civil Liberties Issues in the 2020 Iowa Legislative Session

Each year, hundreds of pieces of legislation are introduced in the Iowa Legislature. Last year alone, we monitored approximately 150 bills, demonstrating the vast impact that civil liberties have in our state.

Here are some of the key issues we're facing in the 2020 session.

January 9, 2020

Attend the ACLU Lobby Day February 18

Come to the ACLU of Iowa Lobby Day and protect civil liberties in our state!

January 6, 2020

Iowa is the Only State with Lifetime Felony Disenfranchisement

With the change in Kentucky's felony disenfranchisement law, Iowa now is the only state left in the country that permanently strips people with a felony conviction of their right to vote. It is the most harsh and destructive such law in the country.

December 17, 2019