Mike Whitehead

Helping individuals, non-profit ministries & businesses with legal compliance. Preventive law. Religious Liberty.

[Kristen Waggoner @KristenWaggoner]

Another big brand has cut ties with the scandal-ridden SPLC. Kudos to @DoorDash!

[Jon Whitehead @jrwhitehead]

This 2024 appearance by @WillyRice on @baptistleaders is the single best explanation for what happened at the SBC26 yesterday.

Whether you’ve been with us since 2024, or just realized you’re in an SBC silo, give it a listen!

[Mike Whitehead @MikeWhitehead]

Congrats to SBC President elect Willy Rice. Elected by nearly 60%. Praying for Dr Rice and for SBC.

[SBC Annual Meeting @SBCMeeting]

Willy Rice has been elected as SBC president.

[Jon Whitehead @jrwhitehead]

One of the best things about the SBC — so many of you have stopped to encourage me, or to say thanks for my work with @WilliamWolfe and @BaptistLeaders.

[Kristen Waggoner @KristenWaggoner]

If you’re a mayor, and you find yourself telling townspeople to report their neighbors for praying, it’s probably time to stop and ask: “Am I the bad guy?”

But (as this video shows) the mayor of University Heights, OH, showed no signs of self-doubt when he did just that in 2021.

His target was Daniel Grand, an Orthodox Jewish resident who had invited friends to a Sabbath prayer meeting in his home. Daniel hoped to start a weekly prayer meeting for around a dozen men: a small prayer group known as a minyan.

Because Orthodox Jews don’t drive on the Sabbath, the only men attending would be those near enough to come on foot. Traffic or parking in the neighborhood would be a non-issue.

Most of us would find it absurd to suggest that hosting a weekly prayer group would turn one’s home into a “house of assembly”—or require a zoning permit. Hosting dinner parties doesn’t turn your home into a restaurant. A poker night doesn’t turn your home into a casino. And University Heights didn’t target secular gatherings like these.

But as soon as the mayor learned of Daniel’s prayer invitation, he sent a “cease and desist” letter, telling Daniel he was forbidden to host prayer meetings without obtaining a special-use zoning permit.

Daniel initially tried to comply with the city’s demand. He applied for the permit and pleaded his case at a contentious, three-hour public meeting. But later, he realized that the zoning framework in question was not designed for a private residence at all. In fact, the law makes it clear that if he were granted special use as a “house of assembly,” he and his family would no longer be permitted to live in their home.

Daniel withdrew his application. But town officials continued to harass him, threatening him with criminal prosecution if he hosted prayer meetings. Neighbors were instructed to watch Daniel’s property for signs of religious activity. Police patrols began driving by his home.

None of this is remotely acceptable under the First Amendment. Government officials cannot use zoning laws as a guise to target religious activity or chill religious worship. Daniel rightly filed a federal lawsuit.

In court, the city argued that Daniel’s case should be dismissed because he had withdrawn his zoning permit application. He may only sue after his application is fully processed and denied, they said. The Sixth Circuit agreed.

But here’s the truth: the city violated the Constitution much earlier. The moment they sent a “cease and desist” letter forcing Daniel to seek a permit to pray in his own home, they ran afoul of the First Amendment—and may be held accountable in court.

If the Sixth Circuit’s ruling stands, local governments will be empowered to chill religious exercise—and discriminate against any disfavored viewpoint—simply by slow-walking their own zoning processes. That’s unacceptable.

@ADFLegal, alongside our co-counsel, @Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, is honored to be representing Daniel Grand in his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The case—Grand v. University Heights—is scheduled for conference this Thursday. Every American who cares about religious liberty and government accountability should be watching this case.

And if you’re inclined, please say a prayer. No permit required.

[Kristen Waggoner @KristenWaggoner]

Should be a fascinating hearing on Capitol Hill this morning on the corrupt and fraudulent practices at the SPLC.

My colleague @ryanlbangert is testifying on behalf of @ADFLegal, along with the SPLC CEO and Dr. Alveda King.
https://t.co/ZmcfbqE93T

[Kristen Waggoner @KristenWaggoner]

Sometimes a photo says it all. Look at the young women’s body language.

When we ignore reality, girls and women pay the price.

[Kristen Waggoner @KristenWaggoner]

It’s June 1, the first day of Fidelity Month: a time to recommit to faithfulness toward God, family, and country.

@FidelityMonth—which is recognized by a growing number of states—reflects the spirit of America at its best. It was 250 years ago that our Founders mutually pledged to each other their “Lives,” “Fortunes,” and “sacred Honor.” When they declared independence, they didn’t appeal to a king or an army, or even a written constitution. They appealed to heaven—to a God who endows each person with inalienable rights.

They knew that the future health and vitality of this nation would depend on citizens, from all walks of life, taking initiative to renew our civic bonds and our fidelity to God, our spouses, our families, our communities, and our country.

That’s what Fidelity Month encourages and celebrates. I’m honored to support this growing movement.

[Mike Whitehead @MikeWhitehead]

IRS goes to Church. Johnson Amd ⁦@jrwhitehead⁩ at UMKC Law CLE Rel Free conference

[Mike Whitehead @MikeWhitehead]

⁦@jrwhitehead⁩ discusses State of the Law on churches and political activity at UMKC Law school Relig Freedom Conference

[Mike Whitehead @MikeWhitehead]

@ADFlegal Bryan Neihart gives SCOTUS review at @UMKC Religion & Law CLE with ⁦@jrwhitehead⁩

[Kristen Waggoner @KristenWaggoner]

She wrote a church pamphlet on marriage and sexuality in 2004. This year, the Finnish Supreme Court used that pamphlet to convict her of “hate speech.”

Thank you @ShannonBream for highlighting Päivi Räsänen’s shocking story—and Europe’s censorship crisis—on @FoxNewsSunday.

[Mike Whitehead @MikeWhitehead]

UMKC LAW SCHOOL 12th Annual Law and Religious Freedom Conference, May 29, 2026 @jrwhitehead https://t.co/CgZ3e5o2e9

[Mike Whitehead @MikeWhitehead]

@albertmohler I was a young Army JAG CPT at Ft Riley KS in 1977. Max Barnett preached my deacon ordination. KSU’s BSU Dir was a Max man, Bob Anderson, also ordained that nite @ Col Hts Bap Ch. So much fruit!

[Kristen Waggoner @KristenWaggoner]

A welcome vindication. She should never have been arrested.

[Kristen Waggoner @KristenWaggoner]

This outcome would not have been possible without our clients, Shane & Jennifer DeGross.

These longtime Christian foster parents stood firm on their convictions, even when it cost them their foster license.

Now, countless children and families will benefit from their courage.

[Kristen Waggoner @KristenWaggoner]

HUGE WIN: To settle an @ADFLegal lawsuit, Washington state has agreed to stop discriminating against religious foster parents, dropping its requirement that they use wrong-sex pronouns.

This is a win for foster families of faith across WA—and for kids who need good homes.

[Mike Whitehead @MikeWhitehead]

Luke Whitehead enrolls in HLGU Class of 2030!

[Mike Whitehead @MikeWhitehead]

Luke flips his tassel tomorrow at LSHS ‘26. Congrats to our 1st grand to graduate. So proud.

[Kristen Waggoner @KristenWaggoner]

Such a fun evening at the Kennedy Center for the premiere of By the Dawn’s Early Light, a film documenting the work of @POTUS’s task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias in government. I was thrilled to attend the premiere with two ADF clients whose stories were told in the film: Bryan Gantt (pictured) and Monica Gill.

Bryan and his wife spent years faithfully serving as foster and adoptive parents in Vermont. Then the state revoked their license because, as Christians, they couldn’t promote gender ideology.

@ADFLegal helped the Gantts sue Vermont, and the Trump administration advocated for better state policies. Earlier this year, our case was resolved when Vermont changed its policy, reopening the door for Christians to provide foster care.

America was founded as a haven for religious liberty. We remain the last Western nation providing robust protection for religious freedom and free speech. I’m grateful for the work this administration has done to strengthen and protect that first freedom.