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.
CommentaryOklahoma’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.
TakeawaysHow 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.
InsightsWhatever 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.
InsightsHistory 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.
InsightsQ&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.
InsightsUtah families: An economic snapshot
Where have Utah families been over the last five years and where are they now? The answers should help frame economic questions as policymakers prepare for next year’s legislative session.
TakeawaysCollege preparation shouldn’t exclude religious learning
As Minnesota and other states attempt to tighten regulations around religious schools, Utah leads on educational opportunity.
InsightsAnti-religious legacy of Blaine Amendments persists
As Minnesota and California show, some places are slow to get the message that the state doesn’t get to single out religious practice for disfavored treatment.
TakeawaysGen Z is lonely. Here’s what parents should know
Key things parents can do to help fight the loneliness epidemic among Gen Z.
Sound principles, data should guide how we prepare the next generation
A principle that unifies Utahns across ideologies is preparation of the next generation for a life of success and happiness.
Religious participation seems to help guard against ‘deaths of despair’
Other social activities would also help, but data shows religious participation may be uniquely valuable.
Adoption legislation seeks to protect all parties’ wishes
With this approach, Utah is leading out in proactively protecting religious freedom and the interests of non-religious people.
Perspective: A basketball team in Alabama forfeited a game because it was on the Sabbath. Then the governor stepped in
State and local governments are often the first line for ensuring that religious accommodations are made, especially for religious minorities.
Extracurricular activities, sports, and education choice
HB 209 seeks to extend the same opportunities that district school students currently have to home-school, private school and online students.
Education pluralism: public district schools
Even with different education options, the majority of students are still attending public district schools. Policymakers should consider how to best support those students.
Religious character of a university can provide a rich resource for students
On Jan. 12, a federal judge in Oregon dismissed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education that had been brought by an organization representing LGBT students who had attended religious schools.
Evidence suggests that Utah should let municipal ranked choice voting continue
Allowing the Municipal Alternate Voting Methods Pilot Project to finish – so it can gather additional evidence on the benefits and drawbacks of RCV – is sound policy.
Sutherland supports HB 163 on student-athletes’ religious, modesty requests
‘Get those towels off your heads’ – why student-athletes’ religious and modesty needs should be protected in law
