Podcast appearances and mentions of keisha russell

Send us a textIn this powerful episode of the Covenant Eyes Podcast, we sit down with Keisha Toni Russell, constitutional attorney at First Liberty Institute, to explore the increasing challenges Christians face in today's cultural and legal landscape.Keisha shares riveting stories from her work defending religious freedom, like a teacher placed on leave for displaying a crucifix, and Navy SEALs who fought back against religious discrimination. She unpacks why Christian beliefs are under attack and how foundational biblical principles still uphold our freedoms today.We also discuss Keisha's new book, Uncommon Courage: Defending Truth and Freedom While There's Still Time, where she equips parents with the tools to raise children who understand their constitutional and spiritual heritage.

Keisha Toni Russell is a constitutional lawyer and serves as senior counsel for First Liberty Institute. Her book ‘Uncommon Courage' was recently released this year.Keisha Russell's website: https://keishatonirussell.com/Uncommon Courage book: https://keishatonirussell.com/uncommon-courage/www.worldviewmatters.tv© FreedomProject 2025See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're live at the National Religious Broadcaster's convention with First Liberty Counsel, Keisha Russell!

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 During the first hour, he speaks with author Keisha Russell, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. They'll discuss her book, Uncommon Courage.  Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or comments. Looking for just the Highlights? Follow us on Spotify at Point of View Highlights […]

Friday, March 7, 2025 Join our host, Kerby Anderson as he and his co-host brings us the Weekend Edition.  His co-host is Dr. Merrill (Buddy) Matthews, Resident Scholar at IPI. In the second hour, Keisha Russell joins Kerby. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or comments. Looking […]

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Penna Dexter hosts today's show!  During the first hour, she spends time reviewing the first week of Trumps presidency. Then she speaks with Keisha Russell, Senior Counsel from First Liberty Institute. They'll discuss defending your freedoms and some of the cases that First Liberty is currently handling and Keisha's new book, […]

On this week’s episode of Case in Point, we cover the first (already?!) Supreme Court opinion of the October, 2024 term, and talk with Keisha Russell of First Liberty, the nation’s largest public interest law firm dedicated exclusively to the defense of religious freedom in the courts. Keisha discusses First Liberty’s defense of a historic […]

Friday, December 13, 2024 Welcome to our Weekend Edition with host Kerby Anderson. He'll be joined in studio by our own Penna Dexter, and from First Liberty Institute, Keisha Russell. Topics for discussion include First Liberty victories and pending cases, and the top stories from the headlines. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and […]

On this week's episode of Case in Point, we cover the first (already?!) Supreme Court opinion of the October, 2024 term, and talk with Keisha Russell of First Liberty, the nation's largest public interest law firm dedicated exclusively to the defense of religious freedom in the courts. Keisha discusses First Liberty's defense of a historic church, and a religious charitable organization, plus gives us a preview of her upcoming book, "Uncommon Courage." What can Americans do in a culture increasingly hostile to religious expression? That and more on this week's episode of Case in Point.

Friday, December 6, 2024 Welcome to our Weekend Edition with host Kerby Anderson. He'll be joined in studio by our own Penna Dexter, and from First Liberty Institute, Keisha Russell. Topics for discussion include First Liberty victories and pending cases, and the top stories from the headlines. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and […]

Friday, December 6, 2024 Welcome to our Weekend Edition with host Kerby Anderson. He'll be joined in studio by our own Penna Dexter, and from First Liberty Institute, Keisha Russell. Topics for discussion include First Liberty victories and pending cases, and the top stories from the headlines. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and […]

Friday, September 13, 2024 Welcome to our Weekend Edition with host Kerby Anderson. His co-hosts are IPI's Dr. Merrill “Buddy” Matthews and from First Liberty Institute, Keisha Russell. Topics for discussion include religious liberty & our freedoms. It's a jam-packed show! Join our panel for all the fun and information! Connect with us on Facebook […]

Friday, September 13, 2024 Welcome to our Weekend Edition with host Kerby Anderson. His co-hosts are IPI's Dr. Merrill “Buddy” Matthews and from First Liberty Institute, Keisha Russell. Topics for discussion include religious liberty & our freedoms. It's a jam-packed show! Join our panel for all the fun and information! Connect with us on Facebook […]

Friday, June 23, 2023 Welcome to our Weekend Edition with host Kerby Anderson. His co-hosts are IPI's Dr. Merrill “Buddy” Matthews and from First Liberty Institute, Keisha Russell. Topics for discussion include religious liberty & our freedoms. It's a jam-packed show! Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or […]

Rep. Lauren Boebert introduced a resolution calling for the impeachment of President Biden. Every Republican will be forced to vote. Timothy Head, Rep. Ralph Norman, Dr. Johnson Varkey and Keisha Russell join the conversation! Jeff Katz hosts the last hour of the show!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Liberty Institute's Keisha Russell discusses a legal case in Utah that involved the removal of the Bible from a public school library in the David School District. That happened in response to a complaint filed, saying the Bible contains objectionable material. The discussion includes elements of religious freedom and the debate over age-appropriate materials in public schools.

Friday, April 14, 2023 Welcome to our Weekend Edition with host Kerby Anderson. His co-hosts are IPI's Dr. Merrill “Buddy” Matthews and from First Liberty Institute, Keisha Russell. Topics for discussion include religious liberty & our freedoms. It's a jam-packed show! Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio or on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions […]

Friday, March 3, 2023 Welcome to our Weekend Edition with host Kerby Anderson. His co-hosts are IPI's Dr. Merrill “Buddy” Matthews and from First Liberty Institute, Keisha Russell. Topics for discussion include religious liberty & our freedoms, Sen. Fetterman, and the myths of gender ideology. It's a jam-packed show! Connect with us on Facebook at […]

Required vaccines? Critical Race Theory? Prayer in school? Religious students and teachers across America face many new challenges as they settle into the fall semester. Thankfully, attorney Keisha Russell joins First Liberty Live! to discuss these challenges and unpack the rights that students and teachers have to live out their faith.

Friday, September 9, 2022 Today our Weekend Edition with host Kerby Anderson is just the first hour. Co-hosting are Counsel with First Liberty Institute, Keisha Russell, and Resident Scholar at IPI Dr. Merrill (Buddy) Matthews. They'll discuss today's top stories right from the headlines. It promises to be an exceptional show. Then in the second […]

Keisha Russell from the First Liberty Institute reminds us that we are chosen as witnesses who are committed to truth; the world may come against us, but through the strength of the Holy Spirit, we can endure!

Keisha Russell from the First Liberty Institute reminds us that we are chosen as witnesses who are committed to truth; the world may come against us, but through the strength of the Holy Spirit, we can endure!

Keisha Russell del First Liberty Institute nos recuerda ser elegidos como testigos comprometidos con la verdad; el mundo puede manifestarse contra nosotros, pero con la fortaleza del Espíritu Santo, ¡podemos resistir!

Keisha Russell from the First Liberty Institute reminds us that we are chosen as witnesses who are committed to truth; the world may come against us, but through the strength of the Holy Spirit, we can endure!

Keisha Russell del First Liberty Institute nos recuerda ser elegidos como testigos comprometidos con la verdad; el mundo puede manifestarse contra nosotros, pero con la fortaleza del Espíritu Santo, ¡podemos resistir!

Keisha Russell from the First Liberty Institute reminds us that we are chosen as witnesses who are committed to truth; the world may come against us, but through the strength of the Holy Spirit, we can endure!

Attorney Keisha Russell discusses a case headed to the Supreme Court regarding prayer in school.

Todd Starnes tackles social media bias, the Coach Kennedy case and much more with special guests Keisha Russell (First Liberty Institute), Rep. Kat Cammack, and Joseph Backholm (Joseph Backholm, Senior Fellow for Biblical Worldview and Strategic Engagement for FRC). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keisha Russel, Associate Counsel with First Liberty Institute, joins Sojourn Church to speak about critical race theory, religion in schools, being saved by Christ and protecting religious freedoms and liberties in the United States of America. Hear Keisha Russell tell the story of how she was saved by God, and how she has let Him control and guide everything she has done in life, including mission trips, becoming a teacher, going to law school, testifying at the Ketanji Brown Jackson Supreme Court Justice hearing and more.

In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews attorney Keisha Russell about racial identity and how to speak with kids about race, and he reviews the race-relations movie, The Best of Enemies. Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design

School officials at Bremerton High School suspended—and later fired—football coach Joe Kennedy because of his on-the-field prayer practice that drew widespread attention from students and press. Here to talk about Kennedy v. Bremerton School District and school prayer more generally is Keisha Russell — an attorney from First Liberty Institute. For more on Keisha's work, check out her profile at FLI here. For more on the case, check out the SCOTUSblog page here.   Episode produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A Special Thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.  

- BRENT CROWE: "10 Steps to Your Best Life" - KEISHA RUSSELL: "How Did the Confirmation Hearings for US Supreme Court Justice Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson Reflect the Political and Cultural Divide in America?"

KEISHA RUSSELL – If you've ever wondered why the Supreme Court Justices matter so much, tune in to this podcast. They will make a generational impact on our individual rights & freedoms as well as the culture we live in.Meet Keisha Russell.Keisha Russell is Counsel with First Liberty Institute, concentrating on religious liberty and First Amendment rights.Keisha attended Emory University School of Law, and served on the Emory Journal of Law & Religion. She was a law clerk for the Center's Restoring Religious Freedom Project where she worked on religious liberty litigation. In her final year of law school, Keisha worked as a law clerk for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) on national and international matters affecting Israel. Keisha was a 2017 Emory University Graduating Woman of Excellence.Keisha is most passionate about protecting religious freedom for children in America's schools.Let us know your takeaways. Post on social, tag UFA (@UnstoppableFreedomAlliance) and @FirstLibertyInstitute on Instagram to keep the conversation going.

Host Ramses Ja and civil rights lawyer Jeffery Robinson finish their discussion on the documentary “ Who We Are - A Chronicle of Racism in America”. As writer and producer of the film, Robinson shares some of the main highlights and revelations viewers will discover about anti-Black racism in the United States. Sony is a product founding partner of the Black Information Network.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Declaration of Independence vs ConstitutionThe Tony Michaels PodcastInterview with  @BadBradRSR &  @mspopok joins us Surfing Twitter Trends • Hatch Act, 100,000 Ukrainian, Keisha Russell, Manhattan DA Bragg, Eleanor McCullen Subscribe to The Tony Michaels Podcast: https://pod.link/1561049560Broadcasted live on Twitch -- Watch live at https://www.twitch.tv/thetonymichaelsApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-the-tony-michaels-podcast/id1561049560Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/49rDYbKyzlwrIjX6SiRX1g?si=V2NMlU3zQgeeG9rEw_20fw&dl_branch=1Twitchtwitch.tv/thetonymichaelsFUCK'EM Hatshats.thetonymichaels.comFollow Tony on Social Media@thetonymichaels

Renk interviewed attorney Keisha Russell, Counsel with First Liberty Institute. We spoke about Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court.

After Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer's retirement announcement, Biden promised to nominate a black woman to the Supreme Court and he did just that. However, there should be more to a Justice than skin color and sex. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's record and activism are concerning when it comes to abortion and religious freedom. First Liberty's Keisha Russell joins Engage to explain those concerns and what we can expect during the confirmation process. Check out more information through First Liberty at firstliberty.org! Engage with Eagle Forum FB: https://www.facebook.com/engagewitheagleforum Podcast: https://engagewitheagleforum.podbean.com Learn more about Eagle Forum: https://EagleForum.org/​​ Become an Eagle Forum Member: http://bit.ly/Join-EagleForum​​ Join the Eagle Forum email list: https://bit.ly/EagleForumEmail  Eagle Forum: 200 W 3rd St., Ste. 502 • Alton, IL 62002 #SCOTUS #KentanjiBrownJackson #Senate #constitution

Friday, March 18, 2022 Our host Kerby Anderson welcomes co-hosts, from First Liberty Institute, Kelly Shakelford and Keisha Russell. They join Kerby in the studio. They will discuss the issue of religious freedom, current cases in the US courts, and the current conservative landscape. Please participate with your questions or comments. You can reach us by phone […]

Our own attorney Keisha Russell will join the show in order to talk about the future of the Supreme Court with the announcement of the new nominee. She'll also discuss other important cases going on around the Institute.

Friday, February 25, 2022 Welcome to our Special Weekend Edition. Guest host Chelsey Yeoman is joined by co-hosts from First Liberty Institute, Keisha Russell and Lathan Watts. They'll discuss religious freedoms, and today's top news stories. Please call or contact us with your perspective, call 800-351-1212 or you can post a comment or question on Facebook […]

The Supreme Court blocked Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses, but is it too early to celebrate? President Biden calls for social media sites to "deal with misinformation" regarding the virus. And when asked about changing the strategy on COVID, Vice President Kamala Harris says a whole lot of nothing. And just how much sass should a VP be allowed to have? And lastly, the House snuck their voting bill into an unrelated NASA bill! And is Joe Biden becoming too radical for his own good? Today's Sponsor: If you're trying to stay fit and healthy, Built Bar is the answer. Go to https://built.com, and use promo code NEWS15 to save 15% off your next order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not about Rittenhouse anymore. The jury is deliberating whether they want to become victims of the leftist mob on the streets of Kenosha. Todd Starnes is joined by First Liberty Attorney Keisha Russell, Newsmax's Mike Carter, and Educator, Historian & Author Francis McCormick! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

- DANNY YOHANNON OF GOSPEL FOR ASIA: "Why the 'Christmas Critters' Campaign from GFA World is Changing Lives for the Better!" - TAMARA ROSIER, PHD: Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD - KEISHA RUSSELL OF FIRST LIBERTY: OSHA Suspends Vaccine Mandate

First Liberty attorney, Keisha Russell, will be answering YOUR questions about the vaccine mandate and discussing what rights people of faith, parents and students have in public schools. Questions will include: Can religious exemptions for the vaccine be turned down by your employer? Do you need a note from your pastor in order to get a religious exemption? Can a workplace require you to get tested if you don't get the vaccine?

In part 2 of our 3-part series, Back-To-School, Back to Normal?, we talk to Keisha Russell on the current battle over school choice and our latest Supreme Court case.

- GREGG HARRIS: "Thru the Bible Update" - KEISHA RUSSELL: 5 Points About Vaccine Mandates to Help Protect Religious Liberty for Parents and Students - PRAYERS NEEDED! "A 7.2 Earthquake Recently Rocked Haiti. Why Do So Many Rattlers Happen There?" - DAVID WILLIAMS/AGAPE INSURANCE SERVICE: "Why is having the Proper Home Owner's Insurance BIBLICAL?"

The first part of our special 3-part series, Back-To-School, Back to Normal?, we sit down with Keisha Russell to discuss the impact of vaccines and the rights that Americans will have this fall.

"Our country needs better discourse, and religious freedom can help foster it if we continue to protect the rights of students to live out their faith." Keisha Russell is Counsel with First Liberty Institute, concentrating on religious liberty matters and First Amendment rights. Prior to joining First Liberty, Keisha was a 2011 Teach For America corps member in Atlanta Public Schools. As an elementary special education teacher, she taught students with ADD, emotional behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities. Keisha is most passionate about protecting religious freedom for children in America's schools. From calling out discrimination against faith-based businesses such as Chick-fil-A, to denouncing the bigotry against the Orthodox Jewish community in Airmont, NY, Keisha is fierce in her conviction and isn't afraid to expose religious animosity. You will not want to miss this fascinating and helpful conversation.  

Keisha Russell, counsel with First Liberty, discusses the case of a Washington state high school football coach ho was fired over postgame prayers. KMOX's Kevin Wheeler talks Cardinals, the NHL Expansion Draft, and the future of Tarasenko in St. Louis​. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show we spoke with Attorney and Counsel Keisha Russell about Bremerton Coach Joe Kennedy's case. She gave us an update on what's going on with the case. We also spoke with book author Ryan Frederick who discussed with us how couples dealt with this pandemic. Ryan Frederick is passionate about helping men treasure Christ most and love their families well. He and his wife, Selena, created Fierce Marriage with one simple mission: to point couples to Christ and commission marriages for the gospel. Also, we talked to Chris Lange about the upcoming concert at OURCHURCH 253. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show we spoke with Attorney and Counsel Keisha Russell about Bremerton Coach Joe Kennedy's case. She gave us an update on what's going on with the case. We also spoke with book author Ryan Frederick who discussed with us how couples dealt with this pandemic. Ryan Frederick is passionate about helping men treasure Christ most and love their families well. He and his wife, Selena, created Fierce Marriage with one simple mission: to point couples to Christ and commission marriages for the gospel. Also, we talked to Chris Lange about the upcoming concert at OURCHURCH 253. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday, July 16, 2021 Today is our weekend edition with guest host Penna Dexter. She welcomes as co-hosts Jeremy Dys and Keisha Russell, attorney's from First Liberty Institute. And Matt Shaheen, Texas State Representative for District 66 joins them to talk about the AWOL Texas' Democrats. They will have all the insider knowledge on what's […]

Friday, July 9, 2021 Today is our weekend edition with guest host Penna Dexter. She welcomes IPI's Dr. Buddy Matthews as co-host. In the final hour, Keisha Russell from First Liberty Institute will join them. They will have all the insider knowledge on what's happening in America and around the world. Don't miss even a second! […]

Rights of Christians in the Workplace--  Keisha Russell serves as counsel with First Liberty Institute. She puts key tenants of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in plain terms for us and helps us grasp the part we play when an employer requires us to do something that infringes on our faith.

- "Orange County Board of Education has Placed a Costa Mesa Charter School Under Scrutiny - But Now they Appear to be Walking Back Some of their Allegations of Impropriety" - CALL-IN: Baltimore Students Who Failed Courses This Year will Still PASS and Be PROMOTED. Do You Believe This is Helpful? - KEISHA RUSSEL & JEREMY DYS from 1st Liberty Institute: "A Major Win for Religious Liberty Involving One of the OLDEST FAITH-BASED ADOPTION AGENCIES IN AMERICA!" - JEREMY DYS and KEISHA RUSSELL from 1st Liberty Institute: "Why Does a Court Believe that Adhering to Christian Values Makes a Faith-Based Organization 'Republican' and, Therefore, BARRED from Receiving Tax-Exempt Status?" - KP Yohannan of GFA World

Elizabeth Turner is the Valedictorian at Hillsdale High School in Hillsdale Michigan and Keisha Russell, her attorney from First Liberty Institute. Michigan high school violates federal law by opposing religious language in grad speech: complaint

Todd Starnes tackles critical race theory, free speech, the coronavirus and more! Guests today include Representative Andy Biggs, Louisiana teacher Jonathan Koeppel, American Majority founder and CEO Ned Ryun, and First Liberty Institute’s Keisha Russell along with Elizabeth Turner, the student who approached FLI after her school censored religious references in her graduation speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show: Tyler O'Neil, Senior Editor for PJ Media, discusses the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, the House Democrats' rejection of a measure to give additional funding to Israel for the Iron Dome, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie

Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator from Mississippi, discusses Friday's National Prayer Breakfast, the latest on negotiations over a COVID relief bill, his introduction of the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and President Biden’s Education Secretary nominee endorsing boys competing in girls’ sports. Greg Steube, U.S. Representative for the 17th district of Florida, prepares to face the Biden administration's transgender agenda with the reintroduction of his bill “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.” Keisha Russell, Counsel for First Liberty Institute, blasts an Illinois school after refusing to uphold an Illinois law that requires schools to provide religious exemptions for students. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/loving-liberty/support

Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator from Mississippi, on this morning’s National Prayer Breakfast, the latest on negotiations over a COVID relief bill, his introduction of the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and on President Biden’s Education Secretary nominee endorsing boys competing in girls’ sports. Greg Steube, U.S. Representative for the 17th district of Florida, on President Biden’s Education Secretary nominee endorsing boys competing in girls’ sports, and the reintroduction of his bill “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.” Keisha Russell, Counsel for First Liberty Institute, on an Illinois student facing a school disciplinary hearing for refusing to participate in sexuality program that violates her religious beliefs. Hans von Spakovsky, Senior Legal Fellow at Heritage Foundation, on his new publication: 9 Election Reforms States Can Implement to Prevent Mistakes and Vote Fraud. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/loving-liberty/support

Today's show features: Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator from Mississippi, on this morning's National Prayer Breakfast, the latest on negotiations over a COVID relief bill, his introduction of the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and on President

- Christian Professor DISAGREES with the Biden Administration's Transgender Policy - so Now Facebook Says He's "Guilty" of "INCITEMENT!" - PASTOR PRESTON SPRINKLE: Embodied - Transgender Identities, the Church and What the Bible Has to Say - KEISHA RUSSELL: Illinois Student Faces School Disciplinary Hearing for Refusing to Participate in Sexuality Program - GOP Senators Met with the President Yesterday to Present a Counter-Proposal on COVID Relief. Here's How Their Plan Compares to His

First Liberty Institute's Keisha Russel joins Todd to talk about the case of a high school student facing disciplinary hearings for refusing to participate in a sexuality program. Then Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene addresses the attacks on her record and character, from both the left and the right! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday, January 29, 2021 Today is our weekend edition with Kerby Anderson! He starts off with another interview on philosophy with Doug Groothuis. Then Penna Dexter and IPI’s Dr. Buddy Matthews join him. They’ll focus on the economic impact of COVID-19. Keisha Russell from First Liberty will join them for a short discussion on involuntary quarantining. […]

Keisha Russell from First Liberty Institute joins Todd to talk about a disturbing letter from public health officials in one NY county that seems to threaten involuntary quarantine.. Then Spencer Brown from Young America's Foundation discusses a BLM 'Week of Action" program being proposed in some school districts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

- ELECTION 2020: "The President Prepares to Sue for Recounts in Key Swing States Still Undecided as of Now" - CHIP INGRAM: "God, the Election and You" - KEISHA RUSSELL: "A Good Day" - ELECTION 2020: "Rev Samuel Rodriguez of the National Hispanic Leadership Coalition Says that President Trump 'Values Input from Faith Leaders More than Any Other President in History'" - ELECTION 2020: "Colorado Votes DOWN Late-Term Abortion Ban, Allowing Abortionists to Continue to Kill Healthy Babies in the Womb" - Louisiana Voters Approve Amendment 1 - Declaring 'There is No Constitutional Right to Abortion"

Keisha Russell is Counsel with First Liberty Institute, concentrating on religious liberty matters and First Amendment rights.Keisha attended Emory University School of Law, where she was heavily involved in Emory’s prestigious Center for the Study of Law and Religion. She served on the Emory Journal of Law & Religion and two moot court teams. She was a law clerk for the Center’s Restoring Religious Freedom Project where she worked on religious liberty litigation. In her final year of law school, Keisha worked as a law clerk for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) on national and international matters affecting Israel. Keisha was a 2017 Emory University Graduating Woman of Excellence.She joins JT to explain what happened yesterday at the hearings and what it means for America .

After two years since First Liberty filed a lawsuit against the Village of Airmont, New York, the orthodox Jewish community will finally have its day in court. Get the full update and learn more at FirstLiberty.org/briefing. In 2018, we filed a lawsuit alleging that government officials in the Village of Airmont, New York and the Suffern Central School District had engaged in a deliberate effort to dissuade Orthodox Jewish residents from staying in or moving to the Village of Airmont. Town officials required multiple rounds of permitting and endless inspections, costing tens of thousands of dollars for Orthodox Jewish residents to be able to use their own homes for religious meetings.  They were even threatened with criminal sanctions by the Town of Airmont. Even when presented with the prospect of the United States Department of Justice weighing in against them, town officials would not relent, filing motions to dismiss the legal action.  In January of 2020, Judge Vincent Briccetti issued an opinion, denying the town’s motions to dismiss. My colleague, Keisha Russell said, “Our clients are thrilled that they will get their day in court.  We are pleased that the judge dismissed the effort by both the Village of Airmont and the Suffern School District to avoid accountability for their discriminatory actions.” Perhaps this will make town officials more receptive to treating its Jewish residents with respect.  The Orthodox community in Airmont just wants to be left alone to peacefully worship and coexist without fear of criminal prosecution. The First Amendment and federal law protect the right of all Americans to pray together in their homes free from unreasonable and intrusive government interference. To learn how First Liberty is protecting religious liberty for all Americans, visit FirstLiberty.org. 

Religious exemptions to the Contraceptive Mandate are under attack once again. After several states filed lawsuits against the Trump administration for protecting the rights of religious objectors, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit held that        RFRA does not permit a broad religious exemption from this very mandate. The case now heads to The U.S. Supreme Court. Learn more at FirstLiberty.org/Briefing.  You would think that, in light of the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision a few years ago and the Trump administration’s efforts to undo the so-called contraceptive mandate, the fight over forcing religious adherents to compromise their religious convictions would be over.  You would be wrong.  First Liberty recently filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, urging them to review yet another Little Sisters of the Poor case.  This case stems from lawsuits filed by several states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, against the Trump administration for providing religious exemptions to the contraceptive mandate.  The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled against religious objectors, concluding that RFRA does not permit a broad religious exemption from the Contraception Mandate, jeopardizing the exemptions granted to the nuns and others. The Little Sisters appealed that decision to the Supreme Court. We argue in our brief that this decision ignores binding precedent and forces the courts to evaluate the sincerity of an employees’ religious convictions—which is against the law.  Left alone, the Third Circuit’s decision threatens religious freedom by allowing courts to assess which religious convictions are reasonable. As my colleague, Keisha Russell said when we filed the case, “Enough is enough. The Supreme Court of the United States needs to finally protect Little Sisters of the Poor and all other religious objectors from government-forced violations of their faith.” To learn how First Liberty is protecting religious liberty for all Americans, visit FirstLiberty.org. 

Today we’ll talk with Ilya Feoktistov executive director of Americans for Peace and Tolerance, a national security organization, and author of “Terror in the Cradle of Liberty: How Boston Became a Center for Islamic Extremism” (Encounter), John Bursch, Vice President of Appellate Advocacy and Senior Counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, on upcoming cases before the US Supreme Court, and Keisha Russell, Counsel for First Liberty Institute, on the Oregon Court of Appeals re-hearing of the Cakes by Melissa discrimination case, remanded by the US Supreme Court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NY school official’s denial of student club is the definition of hostility toward religion and is patently illegal. Keisha Russell is Counsel with First Liberty Institute, concentrating on religious liberty matters and First Amendment rights. She defended the rights of Daniela Barca, who sought to form a student club at her school.

Joanne Rogers, Saundra Dalton-Smith, Elaine Helms, Tina Yeager, Keisha Russell, Michael Heiser

Joanne Rogers, Saundra Dalton-Smith, Elaine Helms, Tina Yeager, Keisha Russell, Michael Heiser

Keisha Russell from First Liberty Institute joins Nicole Hudgens to talk about the FAA investigation into San Antonio for banning Chick-fil-A from their airport.

On this episode of Acton Line, we first cover the Equality Act, a bill recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Keisha Russell, associate counsel at First Liberty Institute joins the podcast to break down the basics of the bill and explain how the bill would threaten religious liberty. Afterwards, Charlie Weimers, a Swedish politician newly elected to the European Parliament joins the podcast to discuss "Sweden's Dark Soul: The Unravelling of a Utopia," by Kajsa Norman, a book depicting cultural censorship in Sweden. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Andrew Farley, Mike McGrew, Michael Kanis, Keisha Russell, Robert and Elizabeth Glover

Andrew Farley, Mike McGrew, Michael Kanis, Keisha Russell, Robert and Elizabeth Glover

Today we’ll talk with Hannah Anderson, author of “All That's Good: Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment” (Moody Publishers), Keisha Russell, associate counsel, First Liberty Institute, 25th Anniversary of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and Tilly Dillehay, author of “Seeing Green: Don’t Let Envy Color Your Joy” (Harvest House).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Chosen Generation Radio Show Richard Manning Limit Government, Not LibertyAmericans for Limited Government joins us with an inside look at the DC chatter. Bill Federer joins us to share the history of Labor Day. How did it begin and why do we continue to celebrate it today in the greatest nation on earth. Keisha Russell with First Liberty joins us with a story about religious liberty triumphing in the face of great challenges Paul Janiczek joins us to discuss the implications in Pakistan and Israel's threat to Iran.