News from the Week April 4 – April 8, 2022


Friend:

Where were you when you saw the final Senate vote in support of Ketanji Brown Jackson as our next Supreme Court Justice? I was between meetings in Boston with my wonderful colleague Courtni. I doubt I will ever forget this historic moment, when the first Black woman (and just the 6th woman ever) was confirmed to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. You can read more about how I celebrated all the great things her appointment means for our country here: [link removed]

Justice Jackson’s confirmation comes at a moment of intense division and continued vitriol in America. Many of us feel exasperated and wonder if there is a way past the backward trend we continue to witness in our country. Church-state separation seems more fragile than ever before and we’re bracing for the Supreme Court to rule on a series of pivotal cases that could further harm the precious principle we cherish.

My hope for Justice Jackson is that she will be a champion for religious freedom and the rights of marginalized people—but also a bridge builder who can move other justices toward her way of thinking. I know this would be a momentous feat, but from what I have seen and learned about Justice Jackson, she has incredible promise.

I hope you’ll join me in pausing to mark the important milestone of Justice Jackson’s confirmation. May she join us in our critical fight for freedom without favor and equality without exception.

With hope and gratitude,

Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO

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Sorry, Christian Nationalists, But The Declaration Of Independence Is Not Your Friend:
Christian nationalists are attempting to press the Declaration of Independence into service for their theocratic agenda. It doesn’t work.
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A Religious Belief Can Be Sincere – And Still Threaten Others:
A person can believe something sincerely, but that belief, no matter how deeply held, can threaten the health, well-being or rights of others.
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Thoughts From The 50-Yard Line: Why My Visit To Bremerton Was Important:
AU CEO Rachel Laser went to Bremerton, Wash., because she felt it was important to connect in person with the people on the ground. The trip turned out to be one of the highlights of her time at AU.
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A Texas High School Has Just Learned It’s Not Wise To Ignore Students’ Rights:
A Texas law requires public schools to sponsor recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance every day, but schools can’t compel students to take part if they object. This was made clear by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 1943 case.
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Get Involved—Check Out AU’s Upcoming Events
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April 16, 7 p.m. ET (Virtual & In Person): “Resisting the Religious Right’s Efforts to Privatize Public Schools,” with public education advocate Teri Sorey. Presented by AU’s Orange County Chapter. RSVP here: [link removed]

April 26, 7:30 p.m. ET (Virtual): “Post-Argument AU Member Briefing: Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (SCOTUS)” Presented by AU. RSVP here: [link removed]


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Americans United for Separation of Church and State
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