A Response to Professor Laycock

Almost a hundred years ago, the American Association of University Professors established guidelines for civility among scholars, saying that academic exchanges “should be set forth with dignity, courtesy, and temperateness of language.” I agree wholeheartedly with these principles, and I will not succumb to the temptation to respond in kind to Professor Laycock’s review. Tone is much less important than having a frank exchange of views.

It is well known that Professor Laycock and I have very different perspectives on the proper interpretation of the Free Exercise Clause. His review and my response should be an opportunity for us to explore our intellectual differences.