Wyoming ACLU plans to close

The American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) Wyoming office in Cheyenne is closing on Friday.

The ACLU is an advocate of civil liberties, and according to their website, they are known for litigation, lobbying legislators, organizing grassroots activists and disseminating information about constitutional freedoms.

Linda Burt, ACLU of Wyoming’s executive director, said the office is closing due to financial concerns and re-organization in the national office. She said the closing is disappointing, especially because of the role the ACLU plays in Wyoming politics.

“I always felt that we were an important part of the political discussion in Wyoming,” Burt said. “I’m sad to see the office go.”

Burt said three people would be laid off as a result of the office closing, including her. The staff attorney and program director will also be laid off. A fourth staff member who works on gay and transgender rights under a grant will stay with the organization, although it is not clear where she will work since the Cheyenne office will be closed, Burt said.

Rep. Tyler Lindholm (R-HD1) said the end of the office would be a huge loss to the state.

“I didn’t agree with them 100 percent of the time,” Lindholm said. “But the ACLU is a large voice, and you want both sides on any issue, always.”

Lindholm said personal liberties issues will be most affected.

“ACLU is slanted to the hard left, and many other groups in Wyoming are understandably hard right,” Lindholm said. “It’s considerably more beneficial when the hard right and the hard left can come together on the same issues. We will be missing a voice, unless another group steps up.”

Gov. Matt Mead said in a statement that he understands how disappointed some people are with the ACLU’s decision to close its local office. He said he has a good working relationship with them and hopes they will continue to participate in the discussions facing the state.