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.
Behind Sutherland’s amicus brief in Utah abortion case
The state’s argument in defense of the “trigger law” cites the Sutherland Institute brief in responding to the plaintiffs’ religious freedom claims before the Utah Supreme Court.
Australia may move in wrong direction by clamping down on religious school accommodations
Religious schools that see education as an opportunity for transformation rather than a transaction help benefit students as well as the broader society.
Microgrants in Utah: another path to individualized education
The microgrant created in HB 394 offers funds to pay for services or materials to supplement a child’s education but not to fund a parent’s choice of school.
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.
Utah’s only Supreme Court justice can help us with SCOTUS legitimacy
Serving 16 years, Sutherland was on the court when it faced a significant test of its independence. Then, as today, its legitimacy was publicly called into question. The lessons of Sutherland’s experience still apply today.
Celebrating the accomplishments of Rosamond Lee Sutherland
Through her many accomplishments as a woman, Rosamond Lee Sutherland left an indelible mark on her family, social relations and her nation.
Utah State Board of Education candidates general-election debates continue
To help voters in the respective USBE districts become better acquainted with the individuals seeking to serve in these important roles, three more debates will be conducted next week, live via YouTube, and one as a hybrid in-person/virtual event.
The importance of religious universities in the ecosystem of education
Research suggests that there are important and distinctive contributions faith-based colleges and universities make.
Utah’s George Sutherland played key role in U.S. women’s rights
The senator and Supreme Court justice from Utah pushed to amend Constitution to extend women’s suffrage nationwide in early 20th century and ruled in favor of legal equality.
100 years later: George Sutherland’s service on the Supreme Court
Join us and Zions Bank throughout October in commemorating the notable impact of George Sutherland and the principles he stood for.
How well are states preventing religious freedom conflicts?
Even a state that has formal protections for religious freedom can have a negative culture for religious practice.
Educators recognize the need to prioritize civics education
Two recent reports back up what Sutherland found in a 2021 survey: Improving civics education in Utah means placing greater emphasis on civics in school curriculum and instruction.
BYU’s efforts for religious exemption helped benefit others
While BYU supported a policy of nondiscrimination, it expected its constitutional and statutory rights to be treated as inherent rather than the grant of a federal agency.
