On Monday, September 29, 2025, Dr. Todd J. Williams, president and CEO of Cairn University, and Dr. Adam J. Porcella, senior vice president and provost, were invited to testify before the U.S. Religious Liberty Commission.
The hearing was held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. The hearing included a tribute to Charlie Kirk and then shifted to a focus on religious liberty in education, bringing in the perspectives of public school faculty and faith leaders.
Dr. Williams testified as a guest on the third panel, “Religious Liberty in Education: Protecting the Religious Identity and Autonomy of Faith-Based Schools,” highlighting the vital role faith-based institutions of higher education play in preserving religious freedom.
The Religious Liberty Commission was established by President Trump under Executive Order 14291 and is tasked with producing a comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America, increasing awareness of and celebrating America’s peaceful religious pluralism, highlighting current threats to religious liberty, and developing strategies to preserve and enhance protections for future generations.
“It was a privilege to testify today to the president’s Religious Liberty Commission,” said Dr. Williams. “There are many good people doing good work to not only defend religious liberty but shape the conversation on the value of it for a free society.”
Cairn University is proud of Dr. Williams’ and Dr. Porcella’s leadership and contributions to a national dialogue on religious liberty. A recording of the event will be made available at The Justice Department YouTube channel.
