Originally Posted by
paulokes 
^ Algorithm contentious point here...today my personal experience of something (Anything) tops somebody else academic opinion of it.
Otherwise known as not expressing Contempt prior to investigation.
The author of that Note writes under the reality that AA is legally considered a religion in the USA in certain contexts, which cejay already posted about. Diaconis is arguing for more constitutional protections on account of that, and suggests that without such protections, AA may decline. This doesn't indicate any contempt at all.
The article was awarded the first place Cornell Law Library
Prize for Exemplary Student Research. Given the scope of what the author is recommending, which many in the justice system oppose, since it would make their jobs more difficult, I would not be surprised if Diaconis is an AA member himself.
Regardless, it is fairly comprehensive, and well researched. He cites his sources, some of which are original Oxford Group literature.