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
Jun 30, 2025

2025 Iowa Civil Liberties Legislation Recap

This week, on July 1, a number of new laws went into effect that impact civil liberties, the result of an incredibly difficult Iowa legislative session, to be sure. In...

This week, on July 1, a number of new laws went into effect that impact civil liberties, the result of an incredibly difficult Iowa legislative session, to be sure. In...

Iowa State Capitol
Iowa State Capitol
Jun 20, 2025

New Iowa law prevents bogus lawsuits from silencing people

Free Speech
For too long, lawsuits have been used simply to intimidate and silence Iowans who speak truth to power. Now that will change.
For too long, lawsuits have been used simply to intimidate and silence Iowans who speak truth to power. Now that will change.
protest, loudspeaker
protest, loudspeaker
Feb 5, 2025

Why school police officers may not be the most effective way to prevent violence

Student Rights
Research shows school police officers may subconsciously make students feel less safe.
Research shows school police officers may subconsciously make students feel less safe.
SROs, school resource officer, police in schools
SROs, school resource officer, police in schools
Jan 28, 2025

Des Moines Student Wins Our Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award

Student Rights
Ivy Wishman, 17, of Des Moines, is a winner of the ACLU of Iowa Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award.
Ivy Wishman, 17, of Des Moines, is a winner of the ACLU of Iowa Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award.
Ivy Wishman
Ivy Wishman
Jan 28, 2025

West Des Moines Student Wins Our Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award

Student Rights
Danika Jacobsen, 19, of West Des Moines is a winner of the ACLU of Iowa Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award.
Danika Jacobsen, 19, of West Des Moines is a winner of the ACLU of Iowa Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award.
Danika Jacobsen
Danika Jacobsen
Nov 22, 2024

ACLU History: Shutting Down an Iowa Teacher Loyalty Oath

In February 1935, the ACLU of Iowa helped stop an unconstitutional Iowa teacher loyalty oath.
In February 1935, the ACLU of Iowa helped stop an unconstitutional Iowa teacher loyalty oath.
Students, State Representative Bourke Hickenlooper
Students, State Representative Bourke Hickenlooper