Establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission

5/1/2025

Executive Orders

View Original

Action Summary

Purpose & Policy: Vigorously enforce Federal law protections for religious liberty, honoring the nation’s historical commitment and ensuring freedom of religious practice without governmental discrimination.
Commission Establishment: Create the Religious Liberty Commission, composed of up to 14 Presidential appointees representing diverse sectors—including private, educational, religious, and governmental inputs—with designated Chairman and Vice Chairman, plus key ex officio members (Attorney General, HUD Secretary, and Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy).
Commission Mandate: Develop a comprehensive report addressing America’s religious liberty foundations, current domestic threats, and strategies for future protection; consider issues such as free exercise rights of religious leaders, educational and healthcare conscience protections, and public prayer provisions.
Advisory Subcomponents: Include three advisory boards—Religious Leaders, Lay Leaders, and Legal Experts (led by the Attorney General or designee)—to provide additional insight and report directly to the Commission’s Chairman.
Term & Administrative Support: Members serve until July 4, 2026 (with potential extensions and reappointments for a subsequent two-year term), and the Department of Justice will offer necessary funding, technical, and administrative support as permitted by law.
General Provisions: Order maintains the existing authorities of executive agencies and budgetary processes; severability ensures that if any provision is held invalid, the remainder remains effective, and no party may enforce rights against the United States based on this order.

Risks & Considerations

The establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission could lead to increased scrutiny of educational institutions, including Vanderbilt University, regarding their policies and practices related to religious liberty. This may necessitate a review of current policies to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
There is a potential risk of conflicts arising between religious liberty protections and other civil rights, which could impact university policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Vanderbilt may need to navigate these complexities carefully to maintain its commitment to inclusivity while respecting religious freedoms.
The emphasis on religious liberty might influence funding and partnerships, particularly if federal support is directed towards institutions that align with the Commission’s objectives. Vanderbilt may need to assess its funding strategies and partnerships in light of these changes.
Vanderbilt’s programs related to religious studies, law, and public policy could see increased demand for expertise and research on religious liberty issues, presenting both opportunities and challenges in terms of resource allocation and academic focus.

Impacted Programs

Divinity School at Vanderbilt may experience heightened interest in its programs and research related to religious liberty, potentially leading to new collaborations and funding opportunities.
Vanderbilt Law School might need to expand its curriculum and research initiatives to address emerging legal issues related to religious liberty and its intersection with other civil rights.
The Office of Religious Life could play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and understanding among diverse religious groups on campus, ensuring that the university remains a welcoming environment for all faiths.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with religious organizations and faith-based initiatives may need to be reevaluated to align with the new federal focus on religious liberty.

Financial Impact

The focus on religious liberty could influence the allocation of federal funds, potentially affecting grants and financial support for programs that align with the Commission’s objectives. Vanderbilt may need to adjust its grant application strategies accordingly.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and initiatives related to religious liberty, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies and other institutions focused on this area.
Changes in federal policy could impact the financial landscape for religiously affiliated students, potentially affecting financial aid distribution and support services at Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt may need to consider the financial implications of any policy changes required to comply with new federal guidelines on religious liberty.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Religious Life should engage with the newly established Religious Liberty Commission to ensure that the university’s policies align with federal guidelines on religious liberty. This engagement can help Vanderbilt stay informed about potential changes in religious liberty protections and adapt its policies accordingly.
The Vanderbilt Law School could consider developing courses or seminars focused on the legal aspects of religious liberty, leveraging the insights and findings from the Commission’s reports. This could enhance the university’s academic offerings and attract students interested in constitutional law and religious freedom.
Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science should monitor the Commission’s activities and reports to analyze the broader political implications of religious liberty policies. This analysis can contribute to scholarly research and public discourse on the balance between religious freedom and civil rights.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development should assess the potential impact of the Commission’s recommendations on educational policies, particularly regarding religious education and parental rights. This assessment can guide the college in adapting its programs to align with federal priorities.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should establish a liaison with the White House Faith Office to explore opportunities for collaboration on initiatives that promote religious liberty and pluralism. This proactive approach can position Vanderbilt as a leader in fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Opportunities

The establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Divinity School to engage in interfaith initiatives and research on religious pluralism. By collaborating with the Commission, the Divinity School can contribute to national conversations on religious freedom and diversity.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on religious liberty by hosting conferences and workshops that bring together scholars, policymakers, and religious leaders to discuss the implications of the Commission’s findings. This can enhance Vanderbilt’s reputation as a hub for dialogue on religious and constitutional issues.
The emphasis on protecting religious liberty offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for the Study of Religion and Culture to conduct research on the societal impacts of religious freedom policies. This research can inform public policy and contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of religion in American society.
By engaging with the Commission’s Advisory Boards, Vanderbilt can strengthen its connections with religious and legal experts, potentially leading to collaborative research projects and educational programs that address contemporary challenges to religious liberty.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents some adjustments needed to processes or procedures at Vanderbilt to align with federal religious liberty policies.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

Commission Termination and Term of Service: All Commission members’ initial term ends on July 4, 2026, marking the deadline for their service as established in Section 2 of the order.

This timeline was determined by the explicit directive that the Commission will terminate on July 4, 2026, which also sets the end date for the appointed members’ term.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Justice (DOJ): The DOJ is tasked with providing funding, administrative, and technical support to the Religious Liberty Commission and ensuring compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD is named as an ex officio member of the Commission, thereby playing a role in addressing religious liberty issues.
White House Faith Office: The Commission is required to advise the White House Faith Office on religious liberty policies, ensuring interagency coordination on these issues.
Domestic Policy Council: The Commission will provide guidance to the Domestic Policy Council on protecting and enhancing religious liberty through targeted policies.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): The order explicitly protects the functions of the Director of OMB, whose role in budgetary and administrative proposals remains intact.
Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom: The order directs the White House Faith Office to consider partnership opportunities with the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, expanding the reach of religious liberty initiatives internationally.
General Services Administration (GSA): Under the Federal Advisory Committee Act guidelines, the Administrator of GSA is implicated in carrying out functions related to the performance of the President’s duties under the Act.

Relevance Score: 3 (Between 6-10 agencies are impacted by the directive.)

Responsible Officials

The President – Establishes the Religious Liberty Commission, appoints its members (including designating the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and the advisory boards of religious, lay, and legal experts), and sets its overall strategic direction.
The Attorney General – Serves as an ex officio member of the Commission, is responsible for providing funding and administrative support via the Department of Justice, and executes functions under the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development – Serves as an ex officio member of the Commission to bring in perspectives from housing and urban policy.
Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy – Acts as an ex officio member to advise on domestic religious liberty issues and coordinate policy efforts.
Department of Justice – Provides the necessary funding, administrative, and technical support to the Commission as authorized by law.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect White House and Cabinet officials, including high-level positions such as the Attorney General, HUD Secretary, and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy).