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.
CommentaryWhy ‘Chevron deference’ raises serious concerns about the separation of powers
If one person or a group of people can independently exercise all government powers, power is concentrated and unchecked.
TakeawaysThe evolution of free speech in America
Free speech issues have evolved since the court’s early cases, but how the courts evaluate First Amendment conflicts has not.
InsightsThe first stirrings of freedom of speech: The Founders knew all about controversial opinions
The debate over the 1798 Alien and Sedition Acts helped establish the popularity of freedom of speech.
InsightsA success story: hybrid at-home learning with Canyon Grove Academy
In addition to curriculum, the Utah County charter school offers interactive learning experiences like a farm, garden, simulators, fishing, rock climbing and more.
TakeawaysWhy other states can still learn from the ‘Utah Compromise’
Utah’s legislative compromise on LGBTQ rights and religious freedom still stands as an example to other states of proactive policymaking, preventing court battles.
InsightsMaryland, N.J. courts affirm religious freedom of employers
These court decisions come from blue states, underscoring the reality that religious freedom need not be a partisan issue.
TakeawaysThe separation of powers is crucial to the American republic
The Founders wanted to keep absolute power out of the hands of any one person or small group of people, so they created three distinct branches of government.
InsightsSupreme Court 2023-24 preview: 3 issues so far
The court is also expected to add additional cases to its agenda throughout the term, some of which may further affect freedom of speech.
TakeawaysReligious freedom must be lived out
America’s commitment to religious freedom goes beyond the written Constitution. It must continuously be protected in the public square.
History of parent-driven education: Part 2 – From the common school movement to the mid-1990s
As public schools became the norm, more intensive parent-driven versions of education became less prevalent in American life.
3 reasons district public school enrollment is on the decline
As Utah prioritizes education, many families are choosing tailored education for their children rather than the traditional public school setting.
Why Utah’s disappearing baby carriage is a problem
The effects of declining fertility may not be significantly impacting the state today, but policymakers must keep the long game in mind.
Community is key to the faith of many believers
Since people of faith often exercise their faith working with others, religious protections should focus not just on individual exercise, but also on religious organizations.
Oklahoma’s Catholic charter school wouldn’t be legal in Utah — and shouldn’t be
Utah’s laws protect both religious expression and the ideals of the establishment clause.
How the Supreme Court could decide on student loan forgiveness
As the Supreme Court considers the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan, it’s important that Utahns keep the court’s proper role in mind.
Whatever the Supreme Court decides on student loans, Utah families will be affected
Student loan cancellation might sound good now but would not address core problems – and even if constitutional, it would cause more problems down the line.
History of parent-driven education: Part 1 – From the Colonial era to the nation’s founding
In some ways, today’s parent-driven education options are a return to America’s education foundations, when parents had direct responsibility for their child’s education.
Q&A: Minnesota’s discrimination against religious practice
Becket lawyer representing families in case against new education law points out that it’s bad for civil society when the government targets specific religious communities.
