Undeniable: The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America - 2017 Schoolhouse Edition - Overview

Sep 16, 2026

Undeniable: The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America - 2017 Schoolhouse Edition documents the rise in domestic attacks on religion, with a focused look at education-related incidents. Legal researchers at First Liberty Institute investigate and track the number and severity of reported events, reporting more than 1,400 documented religious liberty incidents and a 15% increase over the prior year. The Schoolhouse Edition narrows the broader Undeniable findings to the education subsector.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages170

Reading Time59 min

AccessFree to download

Table of Contents

The Time for Denial is Past

Executive Summary

Attacks in the Schoolhouse

Managing Editorial Team

Resources from First Liberty Institute

The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America Kelly Shackelford Executive Editor 2017 SCHOOLHOUSE EDITION UNDENIABLE The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America 2017 Schoolhouse Edition Editorial Team Kelly Shackelford Executive Editor Justin Butterfield Editor-in-chief Contributors Abigail Doty Mary Katherine McNabb Stephanie Taub Past Contributors Michael Andrews Bryan Clegg Julie Hennighausen Candice Lundquist UNDENIABLE The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America 2017 Schoolhouse Edition Kelly Shackelford, executive editor Justin Butterfield, editor-in-chief Copyright © 2013–2017 First Liberty Institute. All rights reserved. This publication is not to be used for legal advice. Because the law is constantly changing and each factual situation is unique, First Liberty Institute and its attorneys do not warrant, either expressly or impliedly, that the law, cases, statutes, and rules discussed or cited in this publication have not been subject to change, amendment, reversal, or revision. If you have a legal question or need legal advice, please contact an attorney. First Liberty Institute’[s attorneys may be contacted by going to www.firstliberty.org](s attorneys may be contacted by going to www.firstliberty.org), selecting the “Contact”menu option at the top of the page, and then selecting “Request Legal Assistance.” First Liberty Institute 2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 1600 Plano, Texas 75075 (972) 941–4444 WHAT IS FIRST LIBERTY INSTITUTE? First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious liberty for all Americans. A non-profit law firm, First Liberty handles hundreds of legal matters each year at no cost to its clients and educates Americans regarding the first liberty in the Bill of Rights: religious liberty. PRAISE FOR FIRST LIBERTY INSTITUTE “When it comes to winning big cases for the religious liberty of Americans, First Liberty Institute shines. I have had the privilege of working as part of their team on just such cases. First Liberty Institute’s intelligence, quality, and strategy give people of faith the best representation. They care about results, not taking credit, and the result is victories.” Paul Clement, former Solicitor General of the United States, attorney with over 85 U. S. Supreme Court appearances “[First Liberty] has litigated all across the country defending religious liberty In every one of those fights, my friend Kelly Shackelford has been front and center.” Ted Cruz, U. S. Senator “[First Liberty is] the best. Students, churches, and people of faith depend on them to stop those who would silence faith.” Rick Perry, U.S. Secretary of Energy, former Governor of Texas “I have enormous respect for the quality of First Liberty’s critical work and the results they’ve achieved.” Allyson Ho, former White House Special Assistant and U. S. Supreme Court clerk, appellate attorney with multiple Supreme Court appearances Undeniable: The Survey of Hostility to Religion in America “First Liberty Institute and Kelly Shackelford are at the forefront of the intensifying battle to preserve our religious freedom. I’ve known of their work for years, and today it’s more important than ever.” Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas “First Liberty Institute’s one-of-a-kind legal strategy is indispensable to the survival of religious freedom in America.” Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council “When it comes to defending religious liberty in America, especially for our military and veterans, First Liberty Institute is the tip of the spear. I know of no organization I’d rather have by my side. They are the best.” Lt. Gen. (Retired) William G.“Jerry” Boykin, Executive Vice President, Family Research Council “Because First Liberty does what it does, ministers like me can do what we do.” Dr. Charles Stanley, In Touch Ministries“First Liberty Insti

FAQs

What is the purpose of the 2017 Schoolhouse Edition?

It focuses on the education subsector within the broader Undeniable report, documenting the rise in attacks on religion in America.

How many incidents does the report document and how has that changed?

The latest edition includes more than 1,400 documented religious liberty incidents, increasing by over 15% compared with the previous year.

Who produces and leads the research behind the survey?

A team of legal researchers at First Liberty Institute leads the work, led by a Harvard-trained constitutional attorney.

Sep 16, 2026

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