About Us
Mission Statement
The Law, Rights and Religion Project is a law and policy think tank based at Columbia Law School that promotes social justice, freedom of religion, and religious plurality. We develop strategic thought leadership on the complex ways in which religious liberty rights interact with other fundamental rights.
Our mission is to ensure that laws and policies reflect the understanding that the right to free exercise of religion protects all religious beliefs and communities, including the non-religious; requires respect for religious plurality and equality principles; and must be balanced against other liberty and equality rights where they are in conflict. Our work takes the form of legal research and scholarship, public policy interventions, advocacy support, and academic and media publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Learn more about the Law, Rights, and Religion Project at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page.
Staff
Learn more about the Law, Rights, and Religion Project Team Members at our Staff Page.
History
The Law, Rights, and Religion Project (formerly the Public Rights/Private Conscience Project) was founded by Professor Katherine Franke, Faculty Director of the Project, in 2014.
Read the initial press release issued at the time of the Project's founding, here
Read a discussion between Professor Katherine Franke and Nina Martin of ProPublica on what inspired Professor Franke to develop the Project, here
