SIOUX FALLS - The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota says the addition of a communications director makes it the state's largest civil rights organization.

Heather Smith has been named director of communications for the ACLU of South Dakota, which is based in Sioux Falls and also administers the ACLU of North Dakota.

Smith will be responsible for promoting ACLU initiatives to members, volunteers, news organizations and others.

The organization supports freedoms of the press, speech, assembly and religion and the rights to due process, equal protection and privacy. Officials say the ACLU of South Dakota also seeks to advance constitutional protections for groups that have traditionally been denied their rights.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More From KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls