Federal resources and protections around freedom from religion in the U.S. focus on upholding individuals' rights to not participate in religious practices or to freely practice their own beliefs, including non-religious beliefs, without interference or discrimination. These protections are grounded in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which ensures the separation of church and state and guarantees freedom of (and from) religion. Here are key federal resources and agencies that protect and support this right: 1. **American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Freedom of Religion and Belief Program**: - **Website**: [aclu.org/issues/religious-liberty](https://www.aclu.org/issues/religious-liberty) - The ACLU defends freedom of religion and belief, including the right to be free from religion. They provide legal assistance and resources on issues such as religious discrimination, government neutrality on religion, and rights in public schools. The ACLU also brings cases to court to defend against government actions that violate the separation of church and state. 2. **Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF)**: - **Website**: [ffrf.org](https://ffrf.org) - Though not a government agency, FFRF is a prominent national organization focused on the constitutional principle of separation between church and state. They advocate for secularism, monitor government actions that may breach this separation, and offer legal support and education on rights related to freedom from religion. 3. **U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights (OCR)**: - **Website**: [ed.gov/ocr](https://www.ed.gov/ocr) - The Department of Education’s OCR ensures that students have the right to freedom from religion in public schools. They investigate complaints of religious discrimination and ensure that schools do not promote or endorse religious practices. OCR protects students from coerced participation in religious activities and ensures equal treatment regardless of religious beliefs or non-belief. 4. **Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)**: - **Website**: [eeoc.gov](https://www.eeoc.gov) - The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting workplace discrimination, including on the basis of religion. This includes protecting employees from harassment or discrimination for their non-religious beliefs and ensuring that employers respect individuals’ rights to be free from religious requirements. The EEOC provides guidelines and support for handling religious accommodation and anti-discrimination cases. 5. **U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) – Civil Rights Division**: - **Website**: [justice.gov/crt](https://www.justice.gov/crt) - The Civil Rights Division of the DOJ enforces laws protecting religious freedom, including freedom from religious coercion in government-funded programs or activities. They also investigate complaints regarding religious discrimination by government entities or public institutions and work to uphold the Establishment Clause, which prevents the government from endorsing or favoring any religion. 6. **Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – Guidance on Federal Grants and Religious Restrictions**: - **Website**: [omb.gov](https://www.omb.gov) - The OMB provides guidance on federal funding and grants, including requirements for government-funded organizations to avoid religious endorsement or proselytizing in federally funded programs. They ensure that taxpayer-funded resources are used in a manner consistent with secular government principles, particularly in areas such as social services and education. 7. **U.S. Supreme Court**: - While not a resource in the traditional sense, the U.S. Supreme Court has been instrumental in interpreting the First Amendment and establishing legal precedents that protect freedom from religion. Cases such as *Engel v. Vitale* (1962) and *Lemon v. Kurtzman* (1971) have helped shape the legal understanding of the separation of church and state. Decisions by the Supreme Court continue to influence federal and state actions regarding religious neutrality. 8. **Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) – International Religious Freedom Reports**: - **Website**: [state.gov/religiousfreedom](https://www.state.gov/religiousfreedom) - Though focused internationally, the DRL in the U.S. Department of State reports on religious freedom violations globally, including promoting the right to freedom from religious imposition. They advocate for religious freedom in U.S. foreign policy and engage with international bodies to promote secular and religious rights worldwide. 9. **Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF)**: - **Website**: [militaryreligiousfreedom.org](https://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org) - Although not a federal agency, MRFF works with the U.S. military to protect service members’ rights to freedom from religious coercion. They advocate for religious neutrality in the military, protect service members from religious discrimination, and address concerns about religious influence within military institutions. 10. **Congressional Committees and Advocacy**: - **Congressional Committees** on civil rights and the judiciary often review and propose legislation impacting religious freedom, including rights to freedom from religious imposition. Working with these committees or contacting congressional representatives can be a way to advocate for issues related to secularism and religious freedom. These federal resources and protections support individuals’ rights to religious neutrality and freedom from coerced religious practice or influence, as protected under U.S. law. If you need assistance with specific situations, such as school or workplace issues, reaching out to organizations like the ACLU, FFRF, or EEOC can provide legal guidance and further support.