First Amendment Scholars - Law Student Essay Competition

Sponsoring Organization:

Freedom From Religion Foundation 

Under the First Amendment, may states require religious organizations that receive government funding to comply with anti-discrimination laws?

Prompt: Following the Supreme Court ruling in Carson v. Makin, religious organizations seeking to participate in government funding programs have argued that requiring them to comply with anti-discrimination laws in order to receive public money violates their constitutional rights. Respond to the argument that anti-discrimination laws cannot be enforced against religious schools receiving public funds. Your argument must be supported by clear well-researched legal analysis, including case law.

Application Deadline:
January 27

Some application deadlines have not yet been announced. In those cases, the dates posted are based on the scholarship provider’s most recent information. Please confirm each deadline via the provider’s website.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a current law student.

Award Description:

First Place Prize: $4,000
Second Place Prize: $3,000
Third Place Prize: $2,000
Optional Honorable Mention(s): $500