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.
InsightsHow does the ‘YES’ program teach the success sequence?
Nonprofit offers research-based health education programs that could align well with Utah’s grade 7-12 standards and help teach outcomes of the success sequence.
InsightsThe rise of ‘faction’: The presidential election of 1800 set the standard for acrimony
The political propaganda and hot-button issues of today’s presidential elections were foreshadowed two centuries ago.
CommentaryConstitutional principles should guide – or stop – election challenges
When a candidate contests an announced final election outcome, how do we discern whether that act supports or undermines the spirit of our Constitution?
CommentaryRemoving work disincentives in the social safety net will strengthen upward mobility and the economy
Policymakers should first look to the states as engines of innovation and reform.
Takeaways3 Supreme Court decisions you need to know about
We provide an overview of three recent SCOTUS decisions and what you need to know about the rulings.
InsightsBeyond the headline cases: the Supreme Court’s rulings this term and why words matter
The rulings emphasize the importance for state legislators to write clear and understandable laws: Complex laws addressing multiple topics lead to poor results.
InsightsCan new sexual development standards help teach ‘success sequence’?
A nonprofit that works to get information on sexual risk avoidance to youth across the nation has launched K-12 academic standards on optimal sexual development. Here’s how the standards can help teach the success sequence.
CommentaryUtah’s primary election results raise questions about caucus-convention system
The purpose of a primary election is for a political party to decide who will represent it as a candidate for office in the November general election. But this immediately raises a question: What — and who — is the party?
TakeawaysCivics Refresher: The roles of the Utah State Legislature and Congress
While casting your vote, it’s important to keep geography and term lengths in mind when considering what could reasonably be accomplished by elected officials.
Why religion is good for society
Religion fills essential roles that do tremendous good for individuals, families and communities — and it is worthy of support from voters and policymakers.
School choice case: Unpopular doesn’t mean unconstitutional
In a California case, the family of a boy with autism that chose a Jewish school is challenging state’s refusal of educational services it would offer if the child were in public or secular private school.
Gen Z has been named the ‘Toolbelt Generation.’ Is that a good thing?
Many Gen Z young adults are choosing trades over the college track due in part to concerns about the value of college.
How much money did the top ten ranking high schools spend per student?
Research suggests that the issue is complicated, that money does matter for school performance, and how it’s spent matters a great deal.
Do we need to care about the Utah State Board of Education?
For any Utah voters who also feel like K-12 public education is headed in the wrong direction, learning about the candidates running for a seat on the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is a wise choice this election season.
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.
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.
