Historic Venue, Critical Mission

The hearing will convene at the prestigious Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., underscoring the significance of this examination into religious liberty in American public education. The Commission aims to understand the historical context of religious freedom in schools, identify current threats, and explore opportunities to strengthen constitutional protections.

Distinguished Leadership

First Liberty President and CEO Kelly Shackelford brings three decades of legal expertise to his role as Commissioner. His organization represents the only nonprofit religious liberty legal organization of its kind serving on the Commission, backed by an impressive record including nine victories at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Voices to be Heard

The hearing will feature compelling testimony from various stakeholders across the educational spectrum. Parents will share their experiences, while students from elementary through graduate levels will provide firsthand accounts of challenges they face regarding religious expression in educational settings.

First Liberty Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys will offer expert legal perspective, alongside other religious freedom specialists. Notably, several First Liberty clients will have the opportunity to share their personal stories of legal battles and experiences with religious discrimination.

Generational Impact

Shackelford emphasizes that this Commission represents “evidence of a massive shift in favor of religious freedom in America” and an opportunity to “fully reclaim our First Amendment rights.” The Commission’s work extends beyond immediate policy recommendations, aiming for permanent, lasting changes to protect religious freedom for future generations.

Strategic Legal Foundation

First Liberty’s participation brings substantial institutional support and strategic counsel to the Commission’s work. With a 30-year legacy of defending religious liberty and commitment to constitutional originalism, the organization’s involvement ensures real-world insights and tested legal strategies inform the Commission’s final recommendations.

The Commission’s comprehensive approach, examining religious freedom across education levels and military service, positions it to deliver transformative recommendations that could reshape religious liberty protections for decades to come.