

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.
Utah should prepare for changes to the U.S. Department of Education. Here’s how
States may have a unique opportunity to evaluate what state and local control really means without the same pressure from D.C. that has existed in the past.
Why parent-friendly school district websites deserve more recognition
To further advance parent access to curriculum, Sutherland Institute is launching the Partners in Learning Certificate project.
Republicans should address welfare’s work disincentives in budget reconciliation
Unlocking upward mobility for millions of struggling people who feel trapped on government assistance also requires reevaluating the government-constructed barriers that can disincentivize people from working or pursuing professional advancement.
How the Constitution can repair today’s social discourse
As we clamor for unity and civil discourse, it’s important to remember how we treat those with whom we disagree and look to the Constitution as a unifying bond.
Trump announces the U.S. Department of Education closure – what does it mean?
Many questions remain about this transition, like what it means for student loans, civil rights enforcement, and future federal education reforms.
A big step toward protecting kids from app stores
Utah’s new legislation addresses parents’ concerns, doesn’t tax state or local resources for enforcement, and is popular with the public. Other states should see it as a model.
How to leverage local school district policy to improve education
District-level policy is an important avenue to education reform, especially in parent access to curriculum.
Utah legislative fights over judiciary highlight need to reinforce separation of powers
The intertwined principles of judicial independence and judicial restraint should guide future legislative efforts.
Utah’s recent legislative debate over judicial reform should prompt renewed focus on proper separation of powers
Judicial independence ensures justices can faithfully guard our Constitution and the laws made according to its authority.
Utah should prepare for changes to the U.S. Department of Education. Here’s how
States may have a unique opportunity to evaluate what state and local control really means without the same pressure from D.C. that has existed in the past.
Why parent-friendly school district websites deserve more recognition
To further advance parent access to curriculum, Sutherland Institute is launching the Partners in Learning Certificate project.
How the Constitution can repair today’s social discourse
As we clamor for unity and civil discourse, it’s important to remember how we treat those with whom we disagree and look to the Constitution as a unifying bond.
Trump announces the U.S. Department of Education closure – what does it mean?
Many questions remain about this transition, like what it means for student loans, civil rights enforcement, and future federal education reforms.
How to leverage local school district policy to improve education
District-level policy is an important avenue to education reform, especially in parent access to curriculum.
Utah’s path to leadership on Artificial Intelligence in education
Utah is positioned to be a leader in AI and should continue to find ways to lead in the area of AI in education as well.
Legislative wrap-up: Five key victories for Utahns
Sutherland worked closely with Utah policymakers to protect and strengthen the important pillars of faith, family and freedom.
Utah advanced parent-driven education but left reforms on the table
Legislators should explore improvements to open enrollment transparency for parents and find innovative ways to increase parent access to classroom curriculum.
Sutherland Institute supports Utah’s new high school civics bill
Americans are faced with issues that make them wonder how our government works, but too few are equipped to engage meaningfully in the civic processes that surround us.