Samuel Alito highlights ‘religious harmony’ as US legacy at Ken Starr Institute dinner
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Emphasizes the Importance of Mutual Respect for Diverse Religious Viewpoints
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito believes the everlasting legacy of the United States is the “mutual respect” of diverse religious viewpoints, according to his keynote speech for the launch of Pepperdine University’s Ken Starr Institute for Faith, Law, and Public Service last week.
Alito’s speech was in reflection on the late Ken Starr, solicitor general for former president George W. Bush who also served as independent counsel from 1994 to 1998 in the investigation that led to former President Bill Clinton‘s impeachment. Starr was a dean at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in Malibu, California, from 2004 to 2010, and the college announced its novel institute that bears his name at a private-ticketed event at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, on March 4.
Standing before a crowd of more than 250 attendees at the dinner event, Alito said he often considers what historians will think of the United States “hundreds and hundreds of years from now.”
“I hope that one thing they will say if they are asked ‘how did the United States contribute to the development of civilization’ is this: The United States of America taught the world that it is possible for a religiously diverse population to live together amicably, harmoniously, and productively with mutual respect,” said Alito, an appointee of Bush.
“I am sure that was Ken Starr’s vision for the country he loved and served,” Alito said of Starr, who died in September 2022 at the age of 76 after complications from surgery. “And I am sure we all hope and trust that the institute at Pepperdine that bears his name will, among other things, work toward that end.”
A core focus of the Ken Starr Institute, which is conducting a nationwide search for the chair of the program, is to “contribute to viewpoint diversity by promoting scholarship related to originalism and textualism.”
“A key component of the institute will be high-profile endowed chairs focused on the exploration of legal thought in the three vital areas of faith, law, and public service,” to help students obtain careers of “leadership and strength” for future congressional officers, judicial clerkships, district attorneys, and other government roles, according to a press release from Pepperdine obtained by the Washington Examiner.
The institute also plans to hold conferences “on religious liberty and law and religion” at the University’s Washington, D.C., campus, and the Chateau d’Hauteville, the college’s latest international campus in Switzerland, that will “bring together scholars and practitioners with the goal of influencing public debates on the relationship of faith and law,” the release added.
Alito’s remarks at the country club event came just three nights before President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., at which six of the nine justices, including Chief Justices John Roberts, followed by Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, were in attendance. Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Clarence Thomas, and Alito were not in the chamber this year.
Alito, who has called himself a “practical originalist” and has written notable opinions dedicated to protections under the First Amendment, has often spoken on the importance of upholding religious freedoms during speeches at collegiate institutions.
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The justice notably delivered a speech at the Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit in Rome in July 2022, shortly after a monumental term that saw the justices overturn Roe v. Wade, uphold religious freedoms for a praying football coach, and strengthen Second Amendment freedoms, among a number of pivotal cases during the fall 2021-2022 term.
“Religious liberty is fragile, and religious intolerance and persecution have been recurring features of human history,” Alito said at the time.
Why is it important to actively acknowledge and value the perspectives and beliefs of others, even when they differ from our own, in the context of mutual respect for diverse religious viewpoints
Law, and public service,” said Pepperdine President James A. Gash.
In his speech, Alito emphasized the importance of mutual respect for diverse religious viewpoints, noting that it is a fundamental aspect of the United States’ legacy. He expressed his hope that future historians will recognize the United States as a country that taught the world the possibility of religiously diverse populations living together harmoniously and productively. This vision, Alito stated, was shared by Ken Starr, for whom the newly launched institute is named after.
The Ken Starr Institute aims to contribute to viewpoint diversity by promoting scholarship related to originalism and textualism, two important legal frameworks. The program will actively search for a qualified chair who will lead the institute’s efforts in exploring legal thought in the areas of faith, law, and public service.
Alito’s remarks highlight the significance of respecting diverse religious viewpoints in a society that prides itself on its commitment to freedom and individual rights. By fostering an environment of mutual respect, the United States sets an example for the rest of the world, demonstrating that people of different religious beliefs can coexist peacefully and work towards a common goal.
Religious diversity has been an integral part of American society since its founding. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, allowing individuals to practice their faith without fear of persecution. This protection has allowed for the flourishing of various religious traditions and has contributed to the rich tapestry of American culture.
However, it is essential to remember that mutual respect for diverse religious viewpoints goes beyond mere tolerance. It involves actively acknowledging and valuing the perspectives and beliefs of others, even when they differ from our own. This recognition of diversity fosters an inclusive and pluralistic society where individuals are free to express their religious convictions and engage in respectful dialogue with others.
In today’s increasingly polarized world, it is crucial to reaffirm the importance of mutual respect for diverse religious viewpoints. This value serves as a cornerstone for maintaining social cohesion, understanding, and acceptance. By embracing different religious perspectives and fostering an environment of respect, we pave the way for a stronger and more harmonious society.
The remarks of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito at the launch of the Ken Starr Institute for Faith, Law, and Public Service serve as a timely reminder of the enduring significance of mutual respect for diverse religious viewpoints. As we strive to build a more inclusive and tolerant society, it is essential to embrace this legacy and continue working towards a future where all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs, are treated with dignity and respect.
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