2022 JRCLS Religious Liberty Fellowship

Introduction

The JRCLS Religious Liberty Fellowship in Washington D.C. is a prestigious program established by the J. Reuben Clark Law Society to cultivate expertise and leadership in the field of religious freedom. The annual fellowship serves as a platform for law students and legal professionals to deepen their understanding of the legal, historical, and philosophical aspects of religious liberty, as well as to engage in advocacy and research on related issues. Through a rigorous selection process, accomplished individuals are chosen to participate in this fellowship, which provides them with unique opportunities to work alongside leading experts, scholars, and organizations dedicated to defending and promoting religious freedom rights. Fellows gain invaluable experience through various activities, including conducting legal research, drafting briefs, participating in moot court competitions, and contributing to the development of policy recommendations. The JRCLS Religious Liberty Fellowship aims to shape the next generation of legal professionals who will passionately advocate for the protection of religious liberty in society.

Student Reflections

Spending a week in Washington, D.C. for the JRCLS Religious Liberty Fellowship was a meaningful and eye-opening experience for BYU–Hawaii students Jane Sandberg and Fahina Lauti. From visiting landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Supreme Court to meeting with religious liberty advocates, both came away inspired and more certain about their paths.

“Despite being intimidated as an undergrad among law students, I felt welcomed by the shared passion for defending religious freedom,” Jane said. She especially valued the chance to learn from speakers like Brian Grim and Robin F. Wilson, and found that conversations with Becket Fund clients and lawyers made the work feel personal and compassionate. “It deepened my understanding of advocacy and strengthened my commitment to law.”

Fahina called the trip “a transformative highlight of my time at BYU–Hawaii.” Meeting attorneys, touring D.C., and learning from figures like Nick Reaves and Judge Ryan Nelson helped her seriously consider law school and a future internship in the capital. “I’m walking away with broadened perspectives, valuable connections, and deep gratitude,” she said.

Highlights

The first day of the JRCLS Religious Liberty Fellowship featured powerful insights from leaders in law, government, and advocacy. Nick Reaves of the Becket Fund broke down the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses, tracing how the Lemon Test has shifted through cases like American Legion v. American Humanist Association and Kennedy v. Bremerton. He outlined signs of government involvement in religion and shared key frameworks for analyzing Free Exercise claims. Brian Grim, president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, introduced the REDI Index to measure religious inclusion in the workplace, highlighting companies like Google that support faith-based employee networks. Celeste Malloy, counsel to Congressman Chris Stewart, discussed the Fairness for All Act and urged fellows to prioritize kindness and personal growth. Gene Schaerr examined the unpredictability of recent Supreme Court rulings, while Becket's Eric Baxter shared moving client stories, including Betty Odgaard and Leo Katsareas. The day closed with Mark Gillespie, clerk to Chief Justice Roberts, encouraging students to consider clerkships and emphasized the hard work behind legal excellence.

Day two focused on finding common ground in difficult conversations around religious freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and public policy. Robin Fretwell Wilson shared her work on the Utah Compromise and explained the challenges of crafting laws that fairly protect both SOGI rights and religious beliefs. She spoke about the ongoing legal debates involving religious adoption agencies and trans-athlete participation, noting the need for lawmakers to provide clear, compassionate solutions. Reverend Marian Edmonds-Allen offered a heartfelt perspective on bridging divides, recalling her work with homeless LGBTQ+ youth and her unlikely friendship with someone who disagreed with her views but supported her mission. “Even people with very different beliefs can work together when they value human dignity,” she emphasized. Kelsey Dallas of Deseret News gave practical advice on responsible journalism and the power of thoughtful headlines. Judge Ryan D. Nelson wrapped up the day by analyzing Kennedy v. Bremerton and the Court’s move away from the Lemon Test, encouraging a return to historical context in Establishment Clause cases.