The Wyoming Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is closing permanently, making Wyoming the only state in the nation without an ACLU office.
The ACLU chapter in Wyoming is one of only a few across the country funded entirely by the national organization. It issued a statement saying the organization was cutting seven percent of its total budget, and the closure of the Wyoming office was a result of that “financial realignment”
Wyoming ACLU Director Linda Burt said she received no advance warning that most of the staff was going to be laid off and the office closed. “We got this call Monday morning,” she said.
Burt said she was unsure what individuals or groups in the state if any would fill the Wyoming ACLU’s role as an advocate on issues ranging from prison reform and juvenile justice to free speech. “We have answered literally thousands of letters.”
The Wyoming ACLU office will close permanently on April 10th. One grant funded ACLU staff member who works on gay and transgender rights will remain in the state.