ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

February 18, 2026 at 3:16 PM

Protecting Iowa voting rights of naturalized U.S. citizens

After our lawsuit, Iowa's Secretary of State agreed to stop wrongful voter challenges. Friend – As a result of our federal lawsuit, Iowa's Secretary of State has just agreed to stop the wrongful citizenship-based voter challenges of more than 2,000 Iowans who were registered to vote. He has al…

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February 6, 2026 at 3:03 PM

🏆 Student wins ACLU of Iowa award after raising $15K for immigrant peers

Nyibol Chol is the winner of our Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award. Nyibol Chol. Friend – The ACLU of Iowa is pleased to announce that Nyibol Chol, 18, is the winner of our Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award. Nyibol is being honored for her advocacy work for Rise (Refugee and Imm…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

January 23, 2026 at 4:02 PM

How to defend your rights in Iowa

Our new virtual civic education series has the answers. Friend – Fighting back against tyranny starts with knowledge. In this turbulent time, understanding your rights, government, and power to influence elected officials is essential. That's why we're launching our virtual "Know Your" Civi…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

January 12, 2026 at 3:15 PM

Ready for the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session

Iowa legislators should work for We the People. Friend – The Iowa legislative session starts today. Once again, it will be a challenging environment, to be sure, but our seasoned policy director, Pete McRoberts, is up to the task. Becca Eastwood, deputy policy director, will also be at the sta…

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December 11, 2025 at 4:03 PM

Tracking ALPRs' rapidly expanding government surveillance technology in Iowa

A new report shows that an enormous surveillance network is being built with automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) in Iowa. Friend – Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) have expanded rapidly in Iowa, building an enormous and powerful surveillance network, often assisted by artificial int…

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November 29, 2025 at 4:04 PM

Iowa Stories of Determination and Hope

5 Iowans share their stories. Friend – We are living in harrowing times. Complicated and confusing times. Times unlike any other, or so it may seem. Recently, for our Defender newsletter, we asked six Iowans who are directly impacted to tell us why they remain determined and hopeful despit…

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September 4, 2025 at 2:03 PM

Nominate a young Iowan for the Mannheimer Award

Help us honor someone who fights for civil liberties. Now accepting nominations for the Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award. Friend – Now more than ever, it's essential that young people are at the forefront of justice movements. The Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award honors youn…

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July 3, 2025 at 2:06 PM

New Iowa Laws: The Good, Bad, and the Ugly

These new laws will impact the civil rights and civil liberties of Iowans across the state. Friend – This week, on July 1, a number of new laws went into effect, the result of an incredibly difficult Iowa legislative session. In particular, it is heartbreaking to see gender identity protecti…

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May 23, 2025 at 1:05 PM

Good news for free speech in Iowa

A new law addresses frivolous lawsuits meant to silence media outlets, activists, and others. Friend – It took 26 years, but we finally have a law in Iowa that will address frivolous lawsuits designed to intimidate and silence newspapers, media outlets, activists, and others. Called SLAPP…

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May 21, 2025 at 2:08 PM

Celebrate Pride in Iowa 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

See our event listing and attend an event near you! Pride flag Friend – In Iowa and nationally, LGBTQ people are being attacked by extremist politicians who want to strip away our rights, safety, and fundamental freedoms. That's why it's more important than ever for us to celebrate Pride a…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

May 1, 2025 at 6:01 PM

Something you can do

In a disheartening time, there are things you can do to make a difference. Friend – The assaults on democracy are coming fast and furious, and it can seem overwhelming. But there's something very concrete and extremely effective that you can do: Build a relationship with your local state senat…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

January 13, 2025 at 3:04 PM

Geared Up for the 91st Iowa General Assembly

Even in difficult environments, we defend civil liberties. Friend – It's the first day of the Iowa Legislature, and our legislative team is ready. For years, we've built relationships on both sides of the aisle, positioning us to have the ear of a wide variety of political leaders who respe…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

December 16, 2024 at 4:03 PM

Defending the rights of immigrants in Iowa

We fight for an immigration process based on liberty, justice, and due process. Friend – Maybe the only thing we can all agree on about immigration law in this country is that it needs drastic improvement. Nationally, President-Elect Trump is threatening mass deportation. Here in Iowa, we'v…

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October 21, 2024 at 6:16 PM

Renewing our efforts to stop Iowa's book bans

SF 496 is Iowa's school book ban and "don't say LGBTQ" law. Friend – We just filed a renewed request to strike down harmful provisions of SF 496, known as Iowa's book ban and don't-say-LGBTQ law. We were able to get a preliminary injunction in federal court last summer, but the appeals court li…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

September 3, 2024 at 4:02 PM

Help us recognize a young Iowan who fights for social justice

Mannheimer Award nominations now open! Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award. Friend – We're looking for that remarkable young person who recognizes and fights against injustices. Nominate someone you know for the Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award! It's a $500 cash prize given…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

August 28, 2024 at 3:31 PM

Be a Reproductive Freedom Voter in Iowa

The proposed ordinance is heartless, unnecessary, and ineffective. I'm a Reproductive Freedom Voter Friend – In the wake of the devastating loss at the Iowa Supreme Court, in a state that now bans nearly all abortions at around six weeks, it's critical that you get out and vote. To tha…

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July 2, 2024 at 6:02 PM

We will persevere ✨

Iowa's near-total abortion ban won't deter us. Friend – After the Iowa Supreme Court's devastating decision Friday that allows a near-total abortion ban in Iowa to take effect in a matter of weeks, I share your anger and outrage. This is a crisis moment for reproductive freedom in our state, …

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

June 25, 2024 at 2:02 PM

Temporarily blocking Iowa's worst anti-immigrant law

A federal court has issued a preliminary injunction of SF 2340. Friend – Last week, a federal court temporarily blocked Iowa's SF 2340, one of the worst anti-immigrant laws ever passed in Iowa. Dubbed as a "criminal reentry" law, it would have gone into effect on July 1 and had a catastr…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

June 7, 2024 at 4:52 PM

See ACLU volunteers defending reproductive freedom

Be inspired by this new video Friend – Iowans across the state have joined our Reproductive Freedom Action Team over the last year. Together, we've created a movement that is 10,000+ strong to defend abortion rights in Iowa. We are so proud of what this incredible group has accomplished and m…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

May 28, 2024 at 2:30 PM

Iowa Pride 2024 is almost here 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Starting Friday, May 31, attend a local Pride event in your community. Friend – June is Pride Month. It's a time for joy and celebration – but also for continuing the fight for equality. More than 40 anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ bills were proposed in our state legislature this year alone. It'…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

May 16, 2024 at 3:01 PM

Suing to stop Black Hawk County's unconstitutional jail fees

Funds went to a shooting range, cotton candy and ice cream machines, and laser tag. Leticia Roberts. Leticia Roberts was hit with $730 in unlawful jail fees. Read More Friend – People leaving jail are often struggling to get their lives back in order, including coping with financia…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

May 14, 2024 at 3:04 PM

Stopping SF 2340: Iowa's worst-ever immigration law

The new law could deport or imprison even immigrants authorized to be here. Friend – On Thursday, we joined forces with the American Immigration Council and National ACLU to file a federal lawsuit on behalf of the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice and two impacted people to block SF 2340, …

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

April 3, 2024 at 3:02 PM

Please welcome our newest board members!

Five new members from all corners of Iowa are joining our board. Board members. Friend – Our 22-member statewide board plays an important role in making sure the ACLU of Iowa operates in a focused, ethical, and financially responsible way that stays true to the principles established bac…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

January 27, 2024 at 3:04 PM

Iowa student activists win Mannheimer Award

ACLU of Iowa Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award Winners Friend – Two remarkable Iowa students, Hailie Bonz, 17, of Urbandale, and Jemma Bullock, 18, of Ankeny, are the recipients of the ACLU of Iowa Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award. Hailie and Jemma are both being honored for org…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

January 17, 2024 at 4:02 PM

Win! Blocking (for now) Iowa's anti-LGBTQ and school book ban law

A federal court has issued a preliminary injunction while litigation proceeds. Friend – Just three days before penalties were to go into effect on January 1, Iowa's school book ban and "don't say LGBTQ" law was put on temporary hold by a federal court. We, along with Lambda Legal and the Je…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

October 11, 2023 at 7:02 PM

Something YOU can do now to protect abortion access in Iowa

Politicians are trying to ban abortion, but find out how you can push back. Reproductive Freedom Action Team. Friend – As you know, abortion rights in Iowa are threatened like never before. * Yet another attempt to ban abortion at around six weeks in Iowa has been put on temporary hold …

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

September 29, 2023 at 3:03 PM

Help us recognize a young Iowan who fights for social justice

Nominations for the Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award are now open! Nominate someone to win a 500 cash prize Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award. Friend – Nominations are now open for the Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award! It's a $500 cash prize given to a young Iowan aged 14 to …

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July 21, 2023 at 3:02 PM

A bright spot in abortion rights in Iowa

Quick legal action restores access to abortion in Iowa. Join our Repro Rights Advocacy Team! Protect Abortion Access. Not only are we challenging this ban in court, we are strengthening our reproductive freedom advocacy across the state. Together, we'll protect reproductive freedom in Iowa…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

June 29, 2023 at 2:04 PM

Gov. Reynolds is not above Iowa open records laws

Transparency is a fundamental responsibility of Iowa state officials at all levels. Friend – Governor Kim Reynolds is not above the law and her office cannot simply ignore media requests for public records. It's unconscionable that we had to go to the courts to establish that. But our six j…

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June 10, 2023 at 3:01 PM

Celebrate Juneteenth in an Iowa community near you!

Locate a Juneteenth celebration in your part of the state. Friend – It wasn't until June 19, 1865, that the enslaved Black people of Galveston, Texas, got word that two years before, slavery in the United States had been abolished. There must have been grief and anger, and yet there was also …

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June 8, 2023 at 3:04 PM

Reflecting on Iowa transgender medical care wins

Trans people belong – and we aren't going anywhere. Friend – Despite the passage of awful anti-trans laws in the Iowa Legislature recently, we are taking stock of important, historic wins in the state's transgender community's ongoing fight for equal rights to essential healthcare. On Frid…

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June 2, 2023 at 2:32 PM

Celebrate Iowa Pride at Your Local Event 🏳️‍🌈

See our list of events across the state to attend. Find a Pride Event Friend – It's been 54 years since the June 28 Stonewall uprising when LGBTQ people, led by transgender women of color, protested police brutality and fought for simple survival. That violent event has evolved into Pride,…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

May 15, 2023 at 5:01 PM

See the Help Trans Kids Thrive Iowa TV ad

Our television ad featuring a Cedar Falls family launches today! Friend – Years ago, we met a truly wonderful Iowa family – the Christiasons. Their son, Ben, was the first openly transgender student at Cedar Falls High School and even ran boy's track. Gender-affirming care for him was a litera…

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March 8, 2023 at 9:47 PM

Tell legislators to back off from LGBTQ kids

Stop the bullying of LGBTQ students. Friend – After an onslaught of hateful anti-LGBTQ bills in the Iowa Legislature in recent days, one stands out – and is moving forward quickly: Legislation to ban gender-affirming care for Iowa teens. In fact, by the time you get this email, it may have alr…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

February 28, 2023 at 3:04 PM

Disgusting attacks by politicians on LGBTQ kids

Trans kids in Iowa deserve to be treated like other kids – with kindness, dignity, and respect. The Hansons, Des Moines Xio Hanson, 15, is a transgender girl who has the support of her family, school, and medical and mental health professionals. Her mom poses this question to anti-trans polit…

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February 3, 2023 at 3:01 PM

🗣 No more police in school

See our new advocacy guide for communities. Friend – Imagine a young student getting into a scuffle or temporarily taking someone's phone as a prank – and then facing a criminal conviction or even jail time as a consequence. If a school has an assigned, on-premises police officer (often…

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January 12, 2023 at 4:04 PM

What we hope to get done in the Iowa Legislature this session

Abortion rights, eviction expungement, protections for pregnant workers, and helping survivors of domestic abuse are top priorities. Friend – This week the Iowa Legislature started its 90th General Assembly, and we're ready. It's going to be another challenging session. We will be focus…

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  Mark Stringer, ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

December 15, 2022 at 4:18 PM

Celebrating an Iowa abortion win; preparing for another abortion fight

We've defeated this abortion ban, but politicians are gearing up for yet another attempt. Step up! Abortion is Healthcare. Find out more about how you can help our efforts to stop a constitutional amendment to ban abortion. Learn more. Please note: This link will take you to a third-pa…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

November 17, 2022 at 3:05 PM

Help us recognize a young Iowan who fights for social justice

Now accepting nominations for the Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award. Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award. Friend – The ACLU of Iowa works to defend everyone's rights—even when it isn't popular, even when no one else will – and we are interested in recognizing a young person who…

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  Mark Stringer, ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

October 22, 2022 at 3:02 PM

Got Iowa voting questions? We've got answers!

Make your plan to vote today. Vote. Vote your values. Fight for your rights. Friend – Election Day is coming up: Tuesday, November 8. What's your plan on how to cast your vote? Voting laws are specific to each state, so we've put together clear, accurate voting information. * Quick ti…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

September 16, 2022 at 3:07 PM

Test your knowledge of absentee voting in Iowa

Take the quiz! Friend – Absentee voting is an important option for many Iowa voters and allows some people who otherwise would have difficulty voting to exercise this important right. Iowa laws regarding absentee voting have changed in recent months. Test your knowledge about the proces…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

June 25, 2022 at 2:03 PM

There's something YOU can do to defend abortion access in Iowa

Your time and energy are needed to preserve reproductive rights in Iowa. We need you! Please consider signing up to help fight for abortion rights in Iowa. Take Action Please note: This link will take you to a third-party website, everyaction.com. Friend – If you've been watching the n…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

May 31, 2022 at 3:03 PM

Been blocked on social media by a government official?

We just released a guide that may help. Know your rights on social media Friend – Has your state senator deleted a comment you made on their official Facebook page? Or has your congressional representative blocked you from their official Twitter account? Official social media accou…

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April 20, 2022 at 2:36 PM

Roxanne Conlin: Why I support my transgender sisters in sports

This is the next wave of gender equity. Roxanne Conlin Lady Liberty. ACLU supporter and attorney Roxanne Conlin is a nationally recognized pioneer in women's rights. She has won many gender-discrimination lawsuits for her clients over the decades. She was the first female president of the…

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  Mark Stringer, ACLU of Iowa Executive Director · [email protected]

February 15, 2022 at 3:06 PM

Bipartisan marijuana decriminalization support

15 states have reduced the criminal consequences of marijuana offenses and Iowa should do the same. Friend – We are moving in the right direction: 15 states have reduced the criminal consequences of marijuana-related offenses, and 11 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized recreational use…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

February 9, 2022 at 11:51 PM

Urgent action needed TONIGHT for trans girls in Iowa

Iowa politicians are once again targeting trans kids. Friend – This afternoon legislators in the Iowa House introduced an awful bill, House File 2309 , that targets transgender girls. This blocks transgender girls from participating in girls' school sports, and that's just wrong. Please r…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

January 27, 2022 at 3:06 PM

Students who helped expel police from schools win ACLU of Iowa award

Endí Montalvo-Martinez and Lyric Sellers of Des Moines are the winners of our Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award. Friend – In part because of the advocacy of two students, Des Moines Public Schools finally ended its harmful School Resource Officer (SRO) program. Now, those two students – E…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

January 10, 2022 at 1:04 PM

Our top priorities for this legislative session

Unjust policing, mass incarceration, housing discrimination, transgender rights, and reproductive freedom. Freedom can't protect itself text with the Statue of Liberty's torch. Friend – It's going to be another challenging legislative session, and we will remain vigilant in stopping pr…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

November 8, 2021 at 6:16 PM

Inform Yourself on Upcoming Legislative Issues

Do a deep dive into issues like transgender rights, housing discrimination, reproductive freedom, and more. Lobby Day, Every Day. Friend – In just two months, the Iowa Legislature will be back in session. We're getting ready by reaching out to Iowans who are concerned about civil libert…

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  ACLU of Iowa · [email protected]

October 26, 2021 at 3:05 PM

Help us recognize a young Iowan who fights for social justice

Now accepting nominations for the Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award. Friend – Nominate a young person you know for the ACLU of Iowa Robert Mannheimer Advocacy Award! It's a $500 cash prize given to a young Iowan age 14 to 19 who has demonstrated a passion and advocacy for civil lib…

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