We note with great sadness the passing of former Illinois Comptroller, former State Senator and former long-time ACLU of Illinois Board member Dawn Clark Netsch, who passed away at her home after a courageous battle with a debilitating disease. Dawn played a pivotal role in the history in advancing civil liberties and fundamental fairness. She was a delegate to the convention that created Illinois’ modern, expansive constitution and fought to include explicit protections of the right of privacy. She was an early leader and supporter for advancing LGBT rights. She was a staunch defender of the ability of women to access reproductive health care. She fought every battle with a wry wit and a relentless commitment to do the right thing.
Dawn was awarded the Roger Baldwin Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 for her life’s work in the classroom, in the courts, and in public to consistently, and with a strong voice, advance the efforts of civil rights and civil liberties.
Dawn Clark Netsch will be missed.
A memorial service for Dawn Clark Netsch will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, in Thorne Auditorium at the Northwestern University School of Law, 375 E. Chicago Ave.
Dawn Clark Netsch discussing civil liberties at a 2010 event with Steve Shapiro, ACLU National Legal Director