Insights
Insights: analysis, research, and informed commentary from Sutherland experts. For elected officials and public policy professionals.
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Promises to defend the Constitution come with strings
How can a voter know if an elected official is actually keeping their promise? Here are some points from the oath of office.
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Why the stalled contraceptive bill does not mean access is threatened
Recent Utah primary election debates included a surprising topic – contraception. The debate for Senate candidates included a question on access to contraception and IVF, and one of the candidates for attorney general discussed it.
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Questions to candidates in debates reflect high interest in education choice
In both the gubernatorial and attorney general debates, candidates were asked about the lawsuit challenging Utah’s universal education choice program.
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Where could the success sequence fit in Utah academic standards?
Sutherland is reviewing the Utah Academic Standards and curriculum to find ways to bring this information to students in their prime decision-making years.
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Ruling on teacher’s firing shows how clear laws could help keep religious entities out of court
Appeals court cites “ministerial exception” in a dispute between a former teacher and a Catholic high school in North Carolina.
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Public schools may fall off a spending cliff as pandemic school funds end
The federal government gave $190 billion to public school across the nation to mitigate the challenges of the pandemic and its aftermath. But the relief funds are soon ending.
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Too little transparency or parent engagement?
One way to help parents get involved in their child’s education is to incentivize more teachers to create user-friendly curriculum transparency.
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Religious freedom requires access to abortion? Maybe not
An Indiana appeals court gave initial acceptance to the argument in a case where plaintiffs argue that their religious beliefs require abortion in unusual circumstances.
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How much does district spending impact student outcomes?
Looking at school districts with high graduation rates and low per pupil spending may reveal innovative ways to support graduation and help students complete the success sequence steps.
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School 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.