News & Commentary

At the ACLU we offer this sentiment often: the Constitution is a declaration of promises. More than 200 years after the original thirteen states ratified the document that established our American experiment, that’s still all it is for many – a list of promises. While some are afforded the privileges outlined in the Constitution, too many are still fighting for their opportunity to enjoy those sacred guarantees.

The ACLU of Alaska filed a motion to compel after exhausting other efforts to collect information necessary to bring closure to Alaska Native woman dismissed by police after rape.

The State of Alaska has agreed to pay the lost wages and other damages incurred by former employee Keren Lowell, who was barred from her job at the Alaska State Council on the Arts after speaking out publicly in opposition to the Dunleavy Administration’s fiscal policies. Ms. Lowell, with the assistance of the ACLU of Alaska, had alleged that the Dunleavy Administration retaliated against her after she exercised her First Amendment rights. 

The ACLU of Alaska has asked the court to decide a lawsuit against Governor Mike Dunleavy, his former Chief of Staff Tuckerman Babcock, and the State of Alaska for illegally firing two former doctors of the Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API).

Here’s how APD can get the details right to deliver accountability, and to protect privacy.

Almost two months into the 32nd Alaska Legislative Session, the state’s lawmakers have gotten off to a bumpy start in tackling all the issues facing our state. The House did not organize until Feb. 18, when a multi-party coalition formed with Rep. Louise Stutes as Speaker, allowing the chamber to begin formal legislative work. This majority coalition should prevent passage of most, if not all, detrimental legislation that we’re watching, as well as increase the chances of positive policy advancements.

Government for the people. That should be the theme of the 32nd Alaska Legislative Session. Alaska is facing too many crises that must be addressed with urgency and seriousness —the state’s dire fiscal situation, supporting Alaskans as they continue to navigate the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing systemic racism, and ensuring the public can fully participate in its democracy, from access to voting to having faith that its government is transparent.

The American Civil Liberties Union’s national board of directors unanimously passed a second resolution today calling for the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump.

The $334,700 Governor Dunleavy vetoed in retaliation for an Alaska Supreme Court decision has been restored.