Wheatley Institute and the National Marriage Project's Spring Conference focused on the nature and consequences of marriage and motherhood, featuring presentations by academic experts and a journalist panel discussion.
Dr. Timothy Shriver is a University of Utah Impact Scholar, the Chairman of Special Olympics International, and founder and current CEO of UNITE. He will offer his perspective on the role of dignity in civic virtue. This event is co-sponsored by the BYU Political Science Department, David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, University of Utah Gardner Institute, and the BYU Peacemaker Project.
Emily Reynolds, Assistant Director of Wheatley Institute, delivered a campus devotional at Ensign College about the importance of prioritizing faith and family in an increasingly self-centered world.
Wheatley Institute Family Director Jason Carroll wrote an article with Wheatley Fellow Brian J. Willoughby for the Institute of Family Studies about the harmful effects of pornography use on marriages, mentioning recent studies linking pornography use to decreased marital commitment and satisfaction, worse mental health, and increased rates of divorce.
Wheatley Fellow and Deseret Magazine executive editor Hal Boyd wrote an brief article for Deseret Magazine about recent developments in American religion and secularism, introducing a series of articles about America's decline in, and return to, religious activity—including an article written by Reverend Andrew Teal, who visited Wheatley Institute last fall.
Wheatley Fellows Jenet Erickson and Loren Marks contributed an article to the Public Square Magazine exploring the sacrifices made by mothers and their profound impact on a child's life. They argue that well-intentioned feminist efforts have begun to devalue the vital institutions of marriage and family, placing more importance on autonomy and prestige—when family and motherhood bring a deeper satisfaction. They look at the issue through a religious lens, comparing scripture and prophetic teachings to data and statistics, including a recent report in collaboration with Jason Carroll, Wheatley Institute's Family Initiative Director.