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Faculty of Business & Government

2024 JRCLS Religious Liberty Fellowship

May 20 - 24, 2024

Introduction

The 6th Annual JRCLS Religious Liberty Fellowship was held May 20–24, 2024, at the Founding Forward campus near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The program brought together 22 law students, new attorneys, and undergraduates from diverse faith backgrounds to learn from religious liberty experts and develop initiatives for their local communities.

This year’s curriculum included presentations on statutory protections by Josh McDaniel, Director of the Harvard Law School Religious Freedom Clinic, and on the Free Exercise Clause by Eric Baxter, Senior Counsel at Becket. Kayla Toney, Associate Counsel at First Liberty Institute, led a session on the Establishment Clause, while Jennie Lichter, Deputy General Counsel for Catholic University, discussed religious liberty in higher education.

In addition to sessions, the Fellows toured Valley Forge and Philadelphia, visiting historic sites like George Washington’s Headquarters and the Liberty Bell. They also developed and presented action plans for religious liberty initiatives to implement in their communities, such as:

  • Organizing an interfaith religious freedom music festival
  • Cataloging and protecting Indigenous religious sites in the Pacific Islands
  • Creating a guide for event planners on meeting religiously diverse audiences
  • Drafting law review articles on religious freedom
  • Producing a TikTok series on Christian nationalism and religious freedom
  • Developing a teacher training program on religious inclusivity
  • Engaging in dialogues on religious freedom on college campuses amid Israeli-Palestinian conflict issues
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Student Experiences

Celeste Lehnardt:

The JRCLS conference had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. In just three months, I formed valuable connections with fellows and presenters, gained insights into legal concepts, and received opportunities that wouldn't have come my way otherwise. I bonded with fellow attendees, ranging from undergraduates to law students and attorneys, discussing everything from academic life to career aspirations.

After the conference, I reached out to presenters on LinkedIn, expressing gratitude and sharing insights I gained. Many responded positively and added me as a connection.

The conference played a pivotal role in securing an internship at a law firm in Honolulu, where my resume stood out because of the fellowship. During the interview, we discussed what I learned at the conference, and I was offered the internship. It deepened my understanding of law and helped me build more professional relationships.

Additionally, the conference inspired me to take action in my community. I’m planning a religious freedom conference at BYUH with fellow pre-law students and aiming to write for the Law Review Journal when I’m in law school. One presenter even inspired me to organize a conference on the intersection of LGBT rights and religious freedom. This experience has set the stage for future endeavors, and I’m motivated to make a meaningful impact.

Enna Hendrickson:

The JRCLS Religious Freedom Conference in Valley Forge was a transformative experience for me as an undergraduate student. It helped me gain confidence and clarity about my future in law, particularly in the field of religious freedom. Before attending, I felt uncertain about my path in law, but the conference broadened my understanding and gave me the tools to navigate the legal field.

I came to the conference with limited knowledge of religious freedom law, but I left with valuable insights from workshops, presentations, and conversations with professionals. It helped me see the broad possibilities within law and how I could make a meaningful impact.

The networking opportunities were a highlight, allowing me to build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. I had enlightening conversations with peers, including one about law and religion, and another about the journey from undergrad to Harvard Law. These connections continue to enrich my learning and growth.

The conference also helped me narrow down my law school options. I had personal conversations with speakers from various law schools, including UCLA, and their advice guided my research on religious freedom programs at different institutions.

Overall, the conference not only deepened my knowledge of law and religious freedom but also gave me the confidence to pursue my goals and engage in promoting religious freedom in my community.

Rishan Prasad:

Attending the conference on religious freedom and human dignity was a transformative experience that broadened my understanding of these crucial issues and influenced my personal and professional goals. The conference provided invaluable networking opportunities with professionals, scholars, and peers from diverse backgrounds, deepening my commitment to advocating for religious liberty and cultural resilience, particularly in the Pacific region.

I engaged in meaningful discussions with representatives from NGOs and legal institutions, which led to potential internship opportunities in religious freedom and human rights. These experiences are pivotal for my career in law and public administration. Additionally, interactions with current law students, especially those from BYU Law School, offered practical guidance on navigating the academic and professional paths ahead.

The conference reinforced my aspiration to attend BYU Law School and pursue a Master of Public Administration. It also inspired me to start an initiative focused on Oceania (Pasifika), addressing regional challenges and promoting resilience through legal and administrative efforts. Conversations with BYU Law and MPA alumni were particularly motivating, as they shared how their academic experiences shaped their successful careers.

The knowledge and connections gained from the conference will benefit BYU–Hawaii by enhancing students' academic and professional development. Sharing insights about internship opportunities and cultural resilience will contribute to the university’s mission of fostering peace and understanding in a globalized world.

Attending the religious freedom and human dignity conference was an enriching experience. The networking opportunities, potential internships, mentorships, and professional interactions provided me with valuable knowledge and connections to advance my career. My aspirations to attend BYU Law School and the MPA program have been reinforced. I am committed to advocating for religious freedom and human dignity, with a focus on Oceania (Pasifika). This conference not only facilitated personal growth but also offered insights and opportunities that could benefit the broader BYUH community.

Day 1

The 6th Annual JRCLS Religious Liberty Fellowship provided a comprehensive look at the legal, historical, and personal aspects of religious freedom. Nick Reaves from the Becket Fund opened with a discussion on the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses, highlighting landmark cases like American Legion v. American Humanist Association and Kennedy v. Bremerton. He critiqued Employment Division v. Smith for its negative impact on religious minorities and explained the evolving legal tests for religious freedom. Brian Grim, President of the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation, explored how businesses can advance religious inclusion, introducing the Corporate Religious Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Index and citing Google’s Inner Belief Network as an example.

Celeste Malloy, Counsel to Congressman Chris Stewart, discussed the Fairness for All Act, a legislative effort to balance religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights, while reflecting on her journey into religious liberty advocacy. Gene Schaerr from Schaerr Jaffe highlighted shifts in the Supreme Court’s approach to religious liberty, referencing the pending 303 Creative v. Elenis case. Eric Baxter of the Becket Fund shared impactful client stories, including a business owner’s stand for her beliefs and a U.S. Navy service member’s fight for religious accommodation. Closing the day, Supreme Court law clerk Mark Gillespie offered career insights, encouraging attendees to strive for excellence and consider clerkships as a valuable career path. The day set the stage for deeper engagement with the complexities of religious liberty.

Day 2

Robin Fretwell Wilson, Director of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois, discussed balancing LGBTQ rights and religious freedom, highlighting SOGI discrimination, the Utah Compromise, and divisive issues like adoption and trans-athlete eligibility. She emphasized that while solutions exist, implementing them politically is challenging and requires empathy and collaboration.

Reverend Marian Edmonds-Allen, Executive Director of Parity, shared her work with homeless LGBTQ youth in Utah, many estranged from families for religious reasons. She encouraged fellows to pursue their passions and build bridges with those of differing beliefs to preserve human dignity and achieve shared goals.

Kelsey Dallas, a religion reporter for Deseret News, spoke on crafting accurate, engaging headlines for religious freedom issues. She urged mindfulness in media consumption and support for quality journalism to foster informed public discourse.

Judge Ryan D. Nelson of the Ninth Circuit discussed Kennedy v. Bremerton, noting the Supreme Court's move away from the Lemon Test toward a history-based standard for Establishment Clause cases, reshaping interpretations of religious freedom.