President Barack Obama appoints Dean Schwartz to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Eric Schwartz

President Obama in April appointed Eric Schwartz, dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, to serve on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission that monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad.

“President Obama’s appointment recognizes Dean Schwartz’s remarkable contributions to critical issues of human rights and humanitarianism,” said University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler. “This honor also speaks to the core mission and values of the University of Minnesota and the Humphrey School, and that is a commitment to develop and educate the next generation of global leaders.”

Prior to his arrival in Minnesota, Schwartz spent 25 years in senior positions at the State Department, the National Security Council, the United Nations, the U.S. Congress, and in the NGO community. From 2009 to 2011, he served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, having been named to the post by President Obama. Working with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, he served as the Department of State’s principal humanitarian official.

Comprised of nine members, USCIRF reviews the facts and circumstances of religious freedom violations and makes policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress. Commissioners are appointed by the President and the Congressional leadership of both political parties.

Read the complete White House announcement here.