First Things First: A Discussion on the First Amendment, the Religion Clauses, and the Rule of Law

The rights protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution are essential for the proper functioning of a responsive democracy. Too frequently, the First Amendment’s core freedoms are ignored or weaponized to suit the political and policy priorities of those in power. The U.S. Supreme Court inconsistently applies longstanding First Amendment jurisprudence, ignoring precedents they deem inconvenient. The Administration targets those whose speech it disfavors, from law firms to private individuals. State and local governments are quick to criminalize protected protest activity to stifle dissent and chill social movements. These actions raise important questions as to whether our legal and political systems can safeguard First Amendment rights for all, or whether skewed and selective application of these freedoms will become the norm. Join William & Mary ACS for a discussion on the Relationship between the Establishment Clause in the context of religious schools with Vania Blaiklock, Esq., how weakened rule of law can affect the protection of these rights, and what we can do about it.