Douglas Laycock in the Media

ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice July 2, 2026

Church-State Law Then and Now: 60 Years of Religious Freedom Jurisprudence

Professor Emeritus Douglas Laycock discusses the evolution of church-state law, explaining how Supreme Court interpretations of the Establishment and Free Exercise clause have shifted over the past 60 years and the implications it has on religious liberty today.

Bloomberg Law June 23, 2026

Justices Block Rastafarian’s Suit Over Forced Head Shaving

Professor Emeritus Douglas Laycock comments on a case about prison guards allegedly violating an inmate's religious rights, explaining that the victim cannot get fair compensation because the state and guards have legal immunity.

CNN May 17, 2026

National Mall prayer event sparks concern about Trump administration eroding the wall between church and state

Professor Emeritus Douglas Laycock argues that the White House-backed National Mall prayer event is unconstitutional because it amounts to explicit government promotion of not just religion in general, but a specific version of one particular religion.

The Hill May 13, 2026

The latest ruling on the Ten Commandments in Texas threatens religious freedom

Professor Emeritus Douglas Laycock is cited for his observations in an amicus brief stating that students cannot avoid the state's religious messaging through exposure to the Ten Commandments display every school day, making it more pervasive than the brief prayers the Supreme Court has already found unconstitutional.

Houston Public Media May 7, 2026

Attorney general announces investigation into school districts for compliance with Ten Commandments law

Professor Emeritus Douglas Laycock argues that the Fifth Circuit's ruling violates religious liberty, contending that even without explicit coercion, having the Ten Commandments prominently displayed in a classroom for hours every school day effectively drills religious content into impressionable children regardless of whether they're required to believe it.

Houston Public Media April 15, 2026

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick argues there is no separation of church and state in U.S. Constitution

Professor Emeritus Douglas Laycock explains that while the words "separation of church and state" do not appear in the Constitution, the idea is prevalent.

Straight Arrow News February 6, 2026

States target church protests with new criminal and civil penalties

Professor Emeritus Douglas Laycock comments on the severity of a Class A misdemeanor in response to a state representative's proposal to make interference with a religious service both a criminal and a civil offense.

New York Post January 15, 2026

Calif. mom accused of killing 3-year-old in ‘exorcism’ horror offers twisted defense

Professor Emeritus Douglas Laycock offers his perspective on an ongoing California criminal case in which the defendants are invoking religious freedom, observing that their case doesn't hold weight because constitutional rights can be overridden to serve compelling government interests.

Chalkbeat December 11, 2025

What a Supreme Court decision on inclusive curriculum could mean for vaccine laws

Professor Emeritus Douglas Laycock draws correlations between court decisions regarding vaccine requirements and inclusive curriculum in schools in an article about a court case for which he wrote a brief.

Houston Chronicle November 24, 2025

Ken Paxton sues Texas housing agency over funding rules for religious groups

Professor Emeritus Douglas Laycock weighs in on a recent lawsuit against the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, which challenges the agency's rule blocking faith-based organizations that receive government funds for homelessness services from using the money for religious activities.

Bloomberg Law November 7, 2025

Trump Administration Argues Against Itself in Rastafarian Case

Professor Emeritus Douglas Laycock comments that the Trump administration’s shift in supporting a Rastafarian inmate’s religious liberty claim likely reflects political strategy as much as legal principle, noting the case will test how far the conservative Supreme Court majority is willing to extend religious protections within the limits of Congress’ spending power.

KVUE October 20, 2025

UT Austin professor responds to his dismissal from administrative role

Professor emeritus Douglas Laycock comments on the dismissal of a former UT administrator and its implications on academic freedoms.