Research & Publications

A politicized State Supreme Court may not sound like an issue on face value, but it is important to understand what is at stake.

Today, we celebrate trans joy, life, and expression that will always exist in Kansas, while also reckoning with the increased politicization, violence, and discrimination that we’ve witnessed come alongside with increased visibility by society.

A trans Kansan was forced to flee their home. Once 26 years ago, and now again with the passage of SB 244.

On March 3rd, the Kansas Senate voted to require school districts to pay a hefty fine if their students walked out during the school day for a protest.

This resource will be further developed as we have more information. If you or a loved one is impacted by Senate Bill 244 becoming a law, contact us by visiting aclu.org/KS_SB244 or by clicking the link in our bio. We want to hear from you.

In a healthy democracy, laws are supposed to be debated in public. They’re meant to move through committees, invite testimony, and give everyday people a chance to understand what’s happening and speak up. However, there is a well-worn shortcut that undermines all of that: the “gut and go.” In recent years, especially around bills targeting transgender Kansans or embodying controversial issues, this maneuver has become a powerful tool for silencing voices.

Last month, our field team hosted a community conversation on making voting easier for eligible Kansans who use a language other than English. Our democracy works best when every citizen can make informed decisions at the ballot box—but right now, many Kansas are forced to choose between voting in a language they don’t fully understand or sitting out of the election entirely. Featured speakers Micah Kubic, ACLU of Kansas Executive Director, and Rafael Gonzalez, El Centro Community Specialist Mobilizer, explore how translating voting materials supports constitutional rights, honors the patriotism and contributions of immigrants, and strengthens our local communities by ensuring every voice is heard.

This year, the ACLU of Kansas released our bail report The Price of Freedom analyzing how Sedgwick County’s current bail system violates presumption of innocence and instead delivers punishment before trial or conviction disproportionately on the poor, women, and people of color. To further highlight points made in The Price of Freedom, Nykia Gatson explains the criminal justice system in practice. Nykia Gatson is a Youth Leader at Progeny, an umbrella program of Destination Innovation focused on reimagining the juvenile justice system.