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.
InsightsSchool 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.
InsightsGen 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.
InsightsWhat does the U.S. Constitution say about political protests?
The First Amendment guarantees of speech and peaceable assembly protect some aspects of protests, but there are significant limitations on what protesters can do.
InsightsHow 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.
CommentaryConservatives’ Golden Opportunity to Win the Minimum-Wage Argument
Election year offers conservatives an opportunity to deliver a pro-worker message that can win over persuadables on the minimum-wage debate.
InsightsProtecting property rights against government overreach
While governments can continue to regulate land use, these regulations and fees must be justified by a government interest and proportional to the effect of the development’s impact on that interest.
InsightsDo 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.
InsightsLooking 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.
InsightsEducation 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 U.S. schools about their curriculum?
As kids brought school home using remote learning during the pandemic, parent awareness and scrutiny increased. Parents on both sides of the aisle are concerned about bias in schools.
Key questions and answers about healthcare sharing ministries
Utah is considering legislation that would require healthcare sharing ministries to report to the state insurance commissioner, although the ministries don’t provide health insurance. What exactly are they?
The expansion of the Utah Fits All Scholarship
Increasing funds to the new program is the next key commitment in bringing education choice to families in the state. Arizona and Arkansas can provide some lessons from their experiences.
Utah’s proactive work on religious freedom will help head off conflicts
This session, the Legislature is considering several religious freedom bills that would implement specific and blanket protections of free exercise.
What you need to know about a proposed Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Utah
Utah could become the 26th state to enhance religious freedom protections with such a law.
The state of career and technical education and virtual learning
True choice in education includes all types of options, like career and technical education and many forms of online learning.
What would Utah’s version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act look like?
This bill would create a strong framework to deal with unforeseen religious freedom conflicts
How curriculum transparency can boost the parent-teacher partnership
Utah should continue its “weird” approach by creating curriculum transparency reform that empowers parents, supports teachers, and strengthens the parent-teacher partnership.
The state of home-based education
Home schooling is growing in Utah and is the fastest-growing form of education in the country.
