The Department of Veterans Affairs is asking employees to report any incidents of “anti-Christian discrimination” to a newly established federal task force. In an email sent Monday, April 21, staff were instructed to flag any informal policies, procedures or behaviors from colleagues or leadership that they believe target the Christian faith.
Executive order prompted formation of task force
The initiative stems from a February executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The order mandates that the VA secretary — along with other federal agency heads — participate in the “Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias.”
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“My administration will not tolerate anti-Christian weaponization of government or unlawful conduct targeting Christians,” the order says. “The law protects the freedom of Americans and groups of Americans to practice their faith in peace, and my administration will enforce the law and protect these freedoms.”
Examples of discrimination outlined in memo
VA Secretary Doug Collins wrote in the email, according to The Guardian which obtained a copy, that the task force will examine cases submitted by employees reporting perceived discrimination. The email included specific examples of behavior that may violate religious rights:
- Adverse actions following accommodation requests
- Mistreatment or reprimands in response to displaying Christian symbols
- Discrimination for not participating in activities that conflict with Christian beliefs
- Negative responses to religious exemption requests under former vaccine mandates
Critics warn of religious favoritism
Some lawmakers and advocacy groups have criticized the task force’s creation. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., posted on X, calling the memo “baseless” and warning that it could divide the veteran community and promote religious favoritism.
The organization Americans United also expressed concern, labeling the task force part of a “Christian nationalist crusade.” The group vowed to continue fighting for church-state separation.
While this task force and executive order center around anti-Christian bias, a statement from former President Joe Biden near the end of his term centered around a national strategy to “Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate.”
The strategy outlines calls to action in American society, as well as the government, to “ensure that Muslim and Arab Americans enjoy the liberties and opportunities that are the bedrock of our country.”
Task force holds first cabinet meeting
The task force held its first cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 22. The Trump administration has maintained that the initiative does not elevate Christianity above other religions but aims to eliminate anti-Christian bias allegedly permitted by the prior administration.
During the meeting, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “The First Amendment right isn’t just a line in the Constitution. It’s the cornerstone of our American liberty… Protecting Christians from bias isn’t favoritism; it’s upholding the rule of law.”
Task force scheduled to dissolve in two years
Unless extended by President Trump, the task force will be dissolved after two years, according to Trump’s executive order.
