(Un)learning Politics

As part of "(Un)learning Religion" , students explored the case of Ktunaxa Nation v. British Columbia. The case concerned the Ktunaxa Nation’s claim that building a ski resort on their sacred site, “Qat’muk,” would drive away the Grizzly Bear Spirit and violate their religious freedom. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled against them, holding that the Charter protects individuals from state interfer...

As part of "(Un)learning Religion" , students explored the Kedroff v. St. Nicholas Cathedral (1952) case. The case held that New York could not transfer control of the Russian Orthodox Church in America away from its Moscow hierarchy. The Supreme Court ruled that such interference violated the First Amendment’s protection of church autonomy, affirming that government cannot control a church’s inte...

As part of "(Un)learning Religion" , students explored the trial of José Sebastião “Juca” Rosa. Juca Rosa, a 19th-century Afro-Brazilian religious leader, was tried and convicted for fraud after his spiritual practices, rituals, and relationships drew suspicion and sensationalized media attention. Although “witchcraft” was not illegal, the case exposed how Afro-Brazilian religions were vulnerable...

As part of "(Un)learning Religion" , students explored the landmark case of Beatriz and Others vs. El Salvador . The case placed reproductive rights and health at the center of international human rights law, revealing the complex intersections of religion, politics, and personal freedom. Podcast created for the course “The Politics of Religious Freedom and Secularism in the Americas” at Sciences...