President Trump Announces Religious Liberty Commission Members
5/1/2025
Action Summary
- Commission Establishment: President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the Religious Liberty Commission during the National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden.
- Commission Leadership:
- Chair – Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick: Noted for his media background, political leadership in opposing critical race theory and DEI practices, and contributions to religious-themed initiatives and educational programs.
- Vice Chair – Dr. Ben Carson: Renowned pediatric neurosurgeon and former HUD Secretary; founder of the American Cornerstone Institute with a focus on restoring family values in America.
- Additional Notable Members:
- Ryan T. Anderson: President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and author with a focus on religious liberty.
- Bishop Robert Barron: Influential theologian and media figure through his Word on Fire ministry, currently serving as Bishop in Minnesota.
- Carrie Prejean Boller: Former beauty pageant contestant and author on personal resilience and political commentary.
- Cardinal Timothy Dolan: Archbishop of New York with a history of leadership in U.S. Catholic institutions and advocacy for pro-life and religious liberty causes.
- Pastor Franklin Graham: President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, leading global disaster relief and medical aid efforts.
- Allyson Ho: Esteemed appellate lawyer noted for her extensive experience presenting cases at the highest courts in the U.S.
- Dr. Phil McGraw: Renowned television host and author, advocating for principles of hard work, independence, and faith.
- Eric Metaxas: Bestselling author, radio host, and speaker focused on religious themes and addressing anti-Semitism.
- Kelly Shackelford: President/CEO of First Liberty Institute and constitutional scholar with significant experience in landmark religious liberty cases before the Supreme Court.
- Rabbi Meir Soloveichik: Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel and scholar noted for his expertise on Torah, American founding principles, and interfaith relations.
- Pastor Paula White: Founder of Paula White Ministries and Senior Advisor to the White House Faith Office, with experience advising previous Presidential faith initiatives.
Risks & Considerations
- The establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission could lead to increased advocacy for religious freedom, potentially influencing policies that affect educational institutions, including Vanderbilt University. This may result in changes to campus policies regarding religious expression and accommodations.
- There is a potential risk of increased polarization on campus as discussions around religious liberty and related policies may provoke strong opinions and debates among students, faculty, and staff.
- The focus on religious liberty might lead to legal challenges or changes in compliance requirements for universities, particularly in areas related to nondiscrimination policies and religious accommodations.
- Vanderbilt University may need to assess its current policies and practices to ensure they align with any new federal guidelines or expectations regarding religious liberty and expression.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt Law School may see increased demand for expertise in constitutional law and religious liberty, presenting opportunities for research and collaboration with legal scholars and policymakers.
- The Office of Religious Life at Vanderbilt might need to expand its programs and services to support a diverse range of religious expressions and ensure compliance with any new federal guidelines.
- Vanderbilt’s Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives may need to be reevaluated to balance religious liberty with other diversity goals, ensuring an inclusive environment for all students and staff.
Financial Impact
- Potential changes in federal funding priorities could impact grants and financial support for programs related to religious studies or interfaith initiatives at Vanderbilt.
- Vanderbilt University might need to allocate resources to review and potentially revise policies and practices to ensure compliance with new religious liberty guidelines, which could involve legal consultations and administrative adjustments.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and initiatives related to religious liberty, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies or religious organizations.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt Divinity School should consider engaging with the newly established Religious Liberty Commission to explore opportunities for collaboration on religious studies and interfaith dialogue. This could enhance the school’s programs and provide students with unique learning experiences.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments from the Religious Liberty Commission to assess any potential impacts on university policies related to religious expression and academic freedom. This will help ensure compliance with federal guidelines and protect the university’s interests.
- Vanderbilt’s Law School could benefit from analyzing the legal implications of the commission’s actions, particularly in the areas of religious liberty and constitutional law. This analysis could inform curriculum development and provide students with insights into current legal challenges and opportunities.
- The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the broader societal impacts of the commission’s work, including its influence on public policy and religious freedom. This research can contribute to academic discourse and inform public understanding of these issues.
Opportunities
- The establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for the Study of Religion and Culture to engage in research and dialogue on religious freedom and its implications for society. By hosting conferences and public forums, the center can position itself as a leader in this field.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on religious liberty by developing partnerships with faith-based organizations represented on the commission. This could include joint research initiatives, student exchange programs, and collaborative projects that enhance the university’s reputation and reach.
- The emphasis on religious liberty offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to explore the intersection of education and religious freedom. By examining how these issues impact educational policy and practice, Peabody can contribute to the national conversation on education reform.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents some adjustments needed to processes or procedures related to religious studies and policy compliance.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A – The directive does not specify a timeline or enforcement deadline for the establishment or operation of the Religious Liberty Commission.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Religious Liberty Commission: This newly established commission is a government body created by the Executive Order to address issues related to religious liberty.
- White House – Office of Faith and Opportunity Initiatives: Given that one of the designated commission members serves as a Senior Advisor to the White House Faith Office, this office is directly connected to the order’s broader faith-based policy agenda.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only one or two government organizations are directly impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
N/A – The Executive Order only announces the appointment of Religious Liberty Commission members without specifying directives that require agency or official implementation.
Relevance Score: 1 (No directives affecting implementation by any specific official are contained in the text.)