PERSONNEL FILE: Robinson & McElwee lawyer appointed to religious freedom commission

CHARLESTON - Robinson & McElwee Of Counsel Dr. Robert P. George was sworn in Sept. 9 as the Chairman of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in a ceremony at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

Dr. George was sworn in by the Chief Justice of the United States, John G. Roberts, and took the oath on the Bible of Harriet Tubman.

“I am deeply honored to have been sworn in by the Chief Justice as USCIRF’s Chairman, humbled by taking my oath of office on Harriet Tubman’s bible, and uplifted by the participation of my colleague and dear friend, Dr. West. As I held this bible in my hands, I was struck by the thought that every generation is responsible for the defense of human liberty and dignity, and that each generation stands on the shoulders of past heroes. I am awed by Harriet Tubman’s witness and sacrifices and the towering example she set for us all, especially during this year's commemoration of the 100th anniversary of her death,” Dr. George said in an announcement on the USCIRF’s website.

Comprised of nine members, USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission that monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad and makes policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and the leadership of both political parties in the Senate and House of Representatives.

As Of Counsel to Robinson & McElwee, Dr. George practices in the areas of appellate practice litigation and the litigation of constitutional issues. In addition to his role with Robinson & McElwee, Dr. George serves Princeton University as McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Dr. George is an authority on moral and political philosophy, constitutional law and the western legal tradition. He is the author or editor of numerous books and lectures frequently for universities, professional associations and civic groups.