4th Circuit remands prison Ramadan diet case in Roberts v. Engelke
The Fourth Circuit ruled the district court used the wrong qualified-immunity standard for a Ramadan/kosher-diet Free Exercise claim, and sent it back.
Religious Liberty
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First Circuit rejects Maine religious-school exemption; remand for injunction
On July 2, 2026, the First Circuit ruled that Maine can require religious schools taking tuition aid to follow the MHRA—except it ordered an injunction for Crosspoint.
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Amish vaccine exemption fight: 2nd Circuit upholds NY religious ban
June 30, 2026: The Second Circuit affirmed dismissal in Miller v. McDonald, letting New York bar religious vaccine exemptions for school.
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DOJ Religious Liberty Commission draft comment period closes July 13—what to watch next
United States Religion Government and Civil Rights – DOJ says the Religious Liberty Commission’s 224-page draft comment period closed Monday, July 13, 2026.
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U.S. amicus in St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy urges clearer Free Exercise test
On July 2, the U.S. filed an amicus in St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy (No. 25-581), urging clearer Free Exercise rules for “universal preschool.”
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Supreme Court declines to review Doe v. Hochul: Title VII accommodations
SCOTUS turned away Doe v. Hochul on June 29, 2026, leaving a Title VII religious-accommodation dispute for healthcare workers in place—no new national rule.
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1st Circuit Denies Calvary Chapel Belfast Bid to Pause UMaine Hutchinson Center Sale
On June 30, 2026, the 1st Circuit refused to pause UMaine’s Hutchinson Center sale after Calvary Chapel claimed anti-religious bias in Belfast, Maine.
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1st Circuit: Maine can require anti-discrimination for religious schools
July 2, 2026: The 1st Circuit upheld Maine’s bid to apply anti-discrimination rules to religious schools taking tuition aid, but remanded “Religious Expression.”
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U.S. Supreme Court tightens RLUIPA accountability for prison officials—what Landor changes
June 23, 2026 ruling limits when prisoners can pursue personal-capacity money damages from prison officials under RLUIPA.
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Supreme Court Declines Review in New York COVID Vaccine Religious-Accommodation Case
United States Religion Government and Civil Rights — June 29, 2026: Supreme Court declined review in Doe v. Hochul, leaving Title VII religious-accommodation dispute.
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Religious Liberty Commission Draft Report: Public Comments Due July 13
DOJ says the Religious Liberty Commission delivered a draft report with 12 recommendations to the President. Public comments close July 13.
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ICE detains nun on the way to Mass in South Texas
United States Church State and Religious Liberty Watch – Sister Leticia Ugboaja was detained in McAllen on the way to Mass, then released later that day.
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Texas adds Bible passages to school reading list, setting up church-state fight
United States Church State and Religious Liberty Watch – Texas approved a required reading list with Bible passages on June 26, but the change is slated to take effect in 2030-31.
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Americans split on school prayer as new ED guidance follows Pew poll
A Pew survey (fielded April 6–12, 2026) finds more support for voluntary, student-led school religious expression than for teacher-led prayer—especially if participation is required.