Whose Conscience Counts? Kevin Bolling on Religion in Schools

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] are nearly half of Gen Z unaffiliated with organized religion—and what does that mean for campuses wrestling with conscience and rights? Kevin Bolling, Executive Director of the Secular Student Alliance, joins Will and Josh to unpack the lived reality behind the headlines: church–state separation, “10 Commandments in classrooms,” chaplains replacing counselors, school vouchers, and the legal fights around drag shows and student speech. From Texas organizing to LGBTQ student protections, Kevin shares how secular and religious students often work together to protect religious liberty for all, even as white Christian nationalism reshapes public policy. We also explore the family side of belief change—how parents and students can navigate identity, community, and care without coercion. Learn more: https://secularstudents.orgGuest BioKevin Bolling is Executive Director of the Secular Student Alliance (SSA), serving since 2017. He’s a veteran nonprofit leader with two decades of experience in student organizing, higher-ed programs, and civil society advocacy, focused on church–state separation, LGBTQ inclusion, and student leadership. Under his leadership, SSA supports chapters nationwide across high schools, colleges, and virtual communities. Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast