News & Commentary

The Alaska Civil Liberties Union of Alaska believes Indigenous peoples and their governments have inherent sovereignty, the right to govern themselves and their lands and determine their own futures.

Two weeks ago, the ACLU of Alaska sent a letter on behalf of a transgender middle school student-athlete on the Kenai Peninsula who has been barred from participating on the boy's cross-country team. In response to our letter, the District reversed course.

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Childhood Development passed an anti-trans policy on August 31, 2023, which prevents trans girls from participating in school sports across the State of Alaska. Read more to learn about the regulation and what you can do about it to support trans rights.

With recent efforts by the Alaska School Board and Mat-Su School Board to pass discriminatory policies towards LGBTQIA2S+ students, the ACLU of Alaska would like to remind students, parents and teachers of the rights afforded to everyone under the U.S. and Alaska Constitution.  

The Alaska Board of Education has issued a proposal that, if finalized, would prohibit trans girls from participating in school sports across the state.

So, what can you expect from this year’s legislature in terms of civil rights and civil liberties?

The ACLU of Alaska is teaming up with a few brilliant local artists to honor Transgender Awareness Month, and to stand in solidarity in the fight for equality. On Sunday, Nov. 24, Anchorage’s own Quinn Christopherson will headline the celebration at 49th State Brewing Company.

The Juneau Assembly passed a fully-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance by a vote of 8-1, making Juneau only the second Alaskan city where all people are protected against unfair and unequal treatment.

On the evening of Tuesday, November 10, 2015, the City of Bethel unanimously passed two laws, Bethel Ordinances #15-33 and #15-34, to protect all city employees and contractors, including those who are gay or transgender, from discrimination. All 7 council members said that the people of Bethel deserve the best people working for them and that no one should lose their job simply based on who they are or whom they love.