In response to the federal election results, Holly Dickson, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arkansas, issued the following statement:
"A second Trump administration poses a profound threat to all Americans and to the democratic values, freedoms, and protections we hold dear in Arkansas and across the nation. Our country’s strength lies in its people and communities, who are more resilient than any single administration or party. Together, we have the power to uphold the principles of democracy and justice.
The ACLU of Arkansas remains fully committed to opposing federal, state and local policies that would harm or divide our communities. During Trump’s first term, the ACLU pursued over 400 lawsuits across the country to protect individual rights, including efforts to counter discriminatory executive actions targeting immigrants and religious minorities. We are well aware of the stakes, and we take seriously the president-elect’s statements about targeting political opponents, journalists, protestors, immigrants, and the threat he poses to all Americans. With this in mind, we developed a strong plan to defend civil liberties against any efforts to erode them. And, we see and will work for the alternative of a state and nation that protects all people and our rights.
In Arkansas, we are ready to protect vulnerable groups and defend essential freedoms. Our priorities include protecting our fundamental democratic institutions and rights, securing equality for all, keeping politicians out of our private lives, and opposing all measures intended to harm Arkansans and our rights. Now more than ever, Arkansans must come together to defend the principles of equality, justice, and freedom for all.
We are prepared to work tirelessly against all actions that would roll back civil liberties and civil rights. Together with other Arkansans and Americans committed to justice, we stand strong, united, and ready."