RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
As someone whose religious freedom has long been denied by the federal government, Dr. DaShanne Stokes has a unique perspective on the First Amendment, the ongoing fight for religious freedom, and what it means to be a U.S. citizen. From 2005 to 2008, Dr. Stokes served as the founder and director of the political advocacy group Religious Freedom with Raptors, the first organization dedicated to changing the federal "eagle feather law," (50 CFR 22) so as to protect Native American rights to religious freedom. DaShanne Stokes' work for religious freedom intersects many other aspects of our daily lives, such as claims of religious freedom as grounds to continue discriminating against LGBT people in the Boy Scouts. His work on religious freedom has appeared in books, publications like The Chronicle of Higher Education and Indian Country Today, and made him a sought-after guest on local and national media.
For journalist inquiries, or to inquire about booking Dr. Stokes for a television, radio, or other media program, please email media (at) dashannestokes (dot) com.
Television Appearances About Religion and Religious Freedom
NBC:
Boy Scout Board Approves End to Blanket Ban on Gay Adults
July 27, 2015
In a historic move towards equality, the Boy Scouts of America opened their ranks to LGBT adults. DaShanne joined NBC (WPXI), Channel 11 News in Pittsburgh, to discuss the new policy, next steps towards creating true equality for LGBT people in Scouting, and claims about "religious freedom" as a grounds for the Boy Scouts to continue discriminating.
CBS & MSN.com
Boy Scouts Expected To Ratify Resolution To Allow Gay Scoutmasters
July 27, 2015
After more than a century of exclusion, the Boy Scouts are anticipated to change their policy to allow LGBT adults to join the Boy Scouts of America. DaShanne joined John Shumway of CBS Pittsburgh, KDKA-TV, to discuss the new policy and its exemption for those claiming religious freedom as grounds to continue discriminating against LGBT people.
**NOTE: This segment was re-aired on MSN.com, July 27, 2015.
Watch Show Now on CBS Pittsburgh >>
Articles About Religious Freedom
The Huffington Post
We Need to Talk About Being #NativeOnCampus
What Accidentally Discovering I Was Adopted Taught Me About Religious Freedom**
**Featured on the Front Page of the Huffington Post. September 25, 2015.
A Life in America Without Religious Freedom**
**Featured on the Front Page of the Huffington Post. September 24, 2015.
Fighting Discrimination, Discovering Who We're Fighting For
The Advocate
The Religious Freedom Argument is a Sham**
**Reprinted as "Religious Freedom Claims Are A Fraud" in The Huffington Post.
Hillary, the Boy Scouts Need You
Why the Boy Scouts' New Policy Still Discriminates
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Sage, Sweetgrass, and the First Amendment
Indian Country Today Media Network
The Eagle Feather Law and State Recognized Tribes
Rights vs. Identity: Divisions Run Deep Over Hickory Ground
Time for New Eagle Feather Law
Eagle Feathers and the Imperialist Conquest of State Recognized Tribes**
**Cited as an authority in appellant brief and motion for summary judgment in McAllen Grace Brethren Church v. Salazar, 44 ELR 20194, No. 13-40326, (5th Cir., 08/20/2014)
Radio Appearances About Religious Freedom
This Show Is So Gay:
Fighting for Equality and Freedom on Multiple Fronts
June 4, 2015
The fight for equality and freedom is being fought on multiple fronts. In a decades-long controversy, the Boy Scouts of America continue kicking out some of their best and brightest for the "crime" of being lesbian, gay, and bisexual. Numerous people continue to support racist mascots and ethnic team names despite a growing body of research showing their detrimental effects. And many Native Americans continue to be denied their Constitutional right to religious freedom. DaShanne joined Dr. Ken Schneck, host of This Show Is So Gay, to discuss the Boy Scouts' anti-gay policy, the Native American mascot controversy, the eagle feather law, and how now is the time for us to stand up, speak out, and fight for equality.
Native America Calling:
Fight Over Eagle Feathers
February 18, 2015
Under the "eagle feather law," state-recognized tribes are banned from obtaining or possessing eagle feathers and parts many need for their religious and spiritual purposes. DaShanne joined Native America Calling to discuss this controversial federal wildlife law, how it undermines the religious freedom of dozens of tribes, and how the law can be changed.
First Voices Indigenous Radio, WBAI 99.5 FM:
The Eagle Feather Law: How Religious Freedom in America is Restricted for Native Americans
March 1, 2007
If you think your religious freedom is protected, think again. As many people across Indian country are aware, American Indians are the only ethnic group in the United States that require a federal permit for religious freedom, but many can't get them. Tune in as DaShanne Stokes talks about the problematic "eagle feather law" and what it means for religious freedom in the United States.
Native America Calling:
The Sanctity of Eagles
December 19, 2006
Under the "eagle feather law," only members of federally recognized tribes are allowed to obtain or possess eagle feathers and parts for religious or spiritual purposes. Those caught with eagle feathers without federal permits face imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000--for practicing their spirituality or religion. DaShanne joined Native America Calling to discuss this controversial federal wildlife law and why we need to change it.
Book Chapters and Quotes in Books About Religious Freedom
THE UNIVERSITY IN YOUR FUTURE
Edited by P. M. Lowentrout. 2001-2008. Long Beach, CA: California State University, Long Beach.
DaShanne's article, "Sage, Sweetgrass and the First Amendment," originally published in The Chronicle of Higher Education, was reprinted as a chapter featured in multiple volumes (2001: Pp. 61; 2002: Pp. 33; 2003: Pp. 28; 2004: Pp. 20; 2005: Pp. 40; 2006: Pp. 29; 2007: Pp. 72-73; 2008: Pp. 71-72) of this textbook published by California State University, Long Beach.
EATING FIRE, TASTING BLOOD: AN ANTHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN HOLOCAUST
Edited by M. Moore. 2006. New York, NY: Thunders Mouth Press.
DaShanne's article, "Sage, Sweetgrass and the First Amendment," originally published in The Chronicle of Higher Education, was mentioned on page 76 of Laura Donaldson's book chapter, "Speaking Out: Religious Rights and Imprisoned American Indian Women." This chapter appears in MariJo Moore's book, Eating Fire, Tasting Blood: An Anthology of the American Indian Holocast.
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