What a time to bear witness.
With election day behind us, and the next chapter in our Nation's history unfolding in the coming hours, days, and months, we want our supporters to know that the ACLU of Montana remains steadfast. We are here – and our legal, policy, and advocacy teams are prepared to spring into action to protect our civil rights and civil liberties no matter the threat.
Regardless of how this juncture in Montana and American history plays out, the ACLU of Montana, alongside our national ACLU partners, is here to ensure that our State lives up to the promise of the Montana and federal constitutions. From engaging in active resistance to government overreach in the courts; to uplifting civil rights and civil liberties through vital advocacy, policy, and organizing; all while remaining true to our organizational values and people-centered practices – as Executive Director, I have the privilege to witness the breadth, skills and deep consideration that our team holds when it comes to this critical work.
Today, we reflect on the countless hours we dedicated to strengthening and protecting our constitutional protections during this election season. We spent nearly an entire year working on the Executive Committee of CI-128, to ensure that Montanans retain their bodily autonomy rights, including abortion. And thanks to that work, we celebrate the landmark passage of a constitutional initiative to enshrine the right to abortion in our constitution. The vast majority of Montanans showed up and made clear that they support reproductive rights and believe that women should be able to make their own decisions about pregnancy and abortion.
We also dedicated enormous effort to educating voters on where Montana Supreme Court candidates landed on critical civil rights issues, including the right to abortion and Indigenous voting rights. Now, we celebrate the win of a justice who has committed to protecting Montanan's constitutional rights.
Looking forward, we continue actively planning to safeguard civil rights for all Montanans. I am confident that no matter what the future brings, the ACLU of Montana is fit to tackle any challenge because I've seen what our organization can accomplish when our freedom is on the line.
Make no mistake: In the wake of this election we have our work cut out for us, and each of us has a critical role to play. We are grateful to be on this journey with you and honored to act at this important moment in our shared history. When all is said and done, we know that together we are stronger and that together we can ensure that our civil rights not only persist, but flourish.
My hope is that each of you has a moment to catch your breath, connect with your loved ones, and find comfort in knowing that no matter what comes next, the ACLU of Montana's commitment to this work remains unchanged now, and for years to come.
Sincerely,
Akilah M. Deernose
Executive Director, ACLU of Montana
