MILWAUKEE —The ACLU of Wisconsin today announced the appointment of Shaadie Ali as the organization’s interim executive director.

Shaadie Ali has a long history with the ACLU, first becoming involved with the organization in his junior year of high school, as a youth volunteer and organizer. In 2015, Shaadie was elected to the ACLU of Wisconsin Board of Directors. He also serves on the ACLU National Board of Directors. 

Shaadie is currently involved in community organizing efforts with a focus on free speech, managing the legal observation of protests and leading trainings across Wisconsin. He also volunteers with the Madison Bail Fund, coordinating efforts to develop regional bail support networks and participates in the antiwar movement.

Shaadie graduated with bachelor’s degrees in geological engineering and geology and geophysics in 2018 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While attending UW-Madison, he was a research fellow who instructed first-time undergraduate research students from historically underrepresented groups and mentored students from diverse backgrounds. 

He’s also been a guest on radio shows and podcasts discussing politics, local organizing and Muslim-American culture, and was featured on the cover of the ACLU Stand  Magazine’s Summer 2017 issue for his activism.

"Ever since I was a teenager, I've always admired the ACLU of Wisconsin staff and the work that the affiliate does,” Shaadie said. “It's an honor to not only be a part of that team, but lead them in the important work of protecting the civil rights and liberties of Wisconsinites."

“The Board of Directors and I are fully confident that Shaadie Ali will do great work as the interim executive director of the ACLU of the Wisconsin as we conduct a national search for a permanent executive director,” said William Sulton, president of the ACLU of Wisconsin Board of Directors.