Insights & Takeaways is Sutherland Institute’s official blog that informs the public and policymakers alike. The blog addresses important issues through the two distinct yet complementary lenses of the seasoned policy professional and the engaged citizen.
Insights: analysis, research, and informed commentary from Sutherland experts. For elected officials and public policy professionals.
Takeaways: the most important things voters need to know. For civically engaged citizens.
Looking at Supreme Court and religious freedom through the lens of the presidential campaign
Two constitutional issues highlight similarities and differences between the Biden and Trump administrations.
Education policy to consider during the 2024 election season
Here’s a look at what each presidential candidate is likely to focus on in education, given their track records and campaign platforms.
Ignoring the text of the Constitution is a mistake
A written Constitution is entirely superfluous if the document is simply meant to give the people what they want.
How transparent are school districts about curriculum?
Utah districts don’t need to wait for legislation to be transparent – many have sought to be transparent on their own. District leaders interested in this reform can do several things right away.
What you need to know about the upcoming state party conventions
The two major political parties are about to hold their state conventions. Here’s what you need to know.
Here’s why the First Amendment’s religion clauses are not in conflict
Some suggest there is a tension between protection for the free exercise of religion and the prohibition on the establishment of religion. But a better take is to see the two clauses as congruent.
Why is Utah at odds with Justice Department over treatment of gender-dysphoric prisoner?
Lawsuit illustrates a little-known practice of federal agencies – giving various forms of “guidance” which are not supposed to be legally binding. The practice raises serious legal and constitutional questions.
What would a parent-teacher ‘handshake’ look like in Utah?
This partnership does not allow either party to pass blame entirely to the other. There is no scapegoat, only opportunities for either party or both to work on the factors within their scope.
How Utah is supporting teachers
As Utah policymakers adapt to the needs of students, their policies have been proactive toward teachers’ needs as well.
Looking at Supreme Court and religious freedom through the lens of the presidential campaign
Two constitutional issues highlight similarities and differences between the Biden and Trump administrations.
Education policy to consider during the 2024 election season
Here’s a look at what each presidential candidate is likely to focus on in education, given their track records and campaign platforms.
Ignoring the text of the Constitution is a mistake
A written Constitution is entirely superfluous if the document is simply meant to give the people what they want.
How transparent are school districts about curriculum?
Utah districts don’t need to wait for legislation to be transparent – many have sought to be transparent on their own. District leaders interested in this reform can do several things right away.
What you need to know about the upcoming state party conventions
The two major political parties are about to hold their state conventions. Here’s what you need to know.
Here’s why the First Amendment’s religion clauses are not in conflict
Some suggest there is a tension between protection for the free exercise of religion and the prohibition on the establishment of religion. But a better take is to see the two clauses as congruent.
Why is Utah at odds with Justice Department over treatment of gender-dysphoric prisoner?
Lawsuit illustrates a little-known practice of federal agencies – giving various forms of “guidance” which are not supposed to be legally binding. The practice raises serious legal and constitutional questions.
What would a parent-teacher ‘handshake’ look like in Utah?
This partnership does not allow either party to pass blame entirely to the other. There is no scapegoat, only opportunities for either party or both to work on the factors within their scope.
How Utah is supporting teachers
As Utah policymakers adapt to the needs of students, their policies have been proactive toward teachers’ needs as well.