2017 Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest

 

Grand Prize: $2,000 and a trip for two to Washington, D.C.

Second Prize: $1,000 • Third Prize: $500

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• Open to all high school students in the classes of 2017 and 2018

• No religious requirements
• Entries must be postmarked by March 10, 2017

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– Topic –

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The United States, along with many other countries, gives safe haven to refugees of war-torn countries. Many factors are taken into account when determining who is allowed to enter our borders. During the 2016 presidential campaign, there was discussion around the idea of denying entrance to some immigrants and refugees based on their religion.

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In an essay, discuss whether a religious test should be conducted as a part of the United States’ immigration and refugee policies.

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Explore the intersection, if any, between the proposed test and the two religion clauses in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Be sure to identify the implications for religious liberty of all citizens in your answer.