The Religious Liberty Commission held its second hearing this week with President Donald Trump, who has positioned himself as a champion of religious freedom seldom seen in Washington.  

After four years under the former Biden administration, this was a breath of fresh air. Not only for students who have suffered from discrimination for their beliefs, but also for all Americans desiring to live in an America that upholds their First Amendment rights. 

I was touched that Students for Life of America (SFLA) efforts were commended by an incredible and courageous former student, Norvilia Etienne Cain.   

Our former @StudentsforLife leader, Norvilia Cain, was almost aborted.

Now, she’s a fearless voice for young women and preborn babies.

When her New York college refused to recognize her Students for Life group, Norvilia fought back with a lawsuit, and won. Her courage didn’t… pic.twitter.com/IsrUy5lBeO

— Kristan Hawkins (@KristanHawkins) September 9, 2025

Norvilia is the former president of the Students for Life group at Queens College, City University of New York. In a full-circle moment, she shared her personal story before the Presidential Religious Liberty Commission, recounting how her mother chose Life despite pressure to abort. She showed that our SFLA students lead the charge for pro-life free speech across the United States, speaking boldly with conviction on college campuses. 

“When I was 16, I learned just how close I came to never being born,” said Cain. “My mother was 17 when she found out she was pregnant with me. Already raising my brother alone, she was scared and overwhelmed. She felt she had no choice but to end my life through abortion.” 

She continued. “But God intervened through the voice of my grandmother. She empowered my mother to know she wasn’t alone. Because of my grandmother’s faith and my mother’s ‘yes’ to my life, I am alive.” 

Inspired by her own story, Cain made college campuses her battleground—challenging abortion propaganda and sharing the truth of Life with her peers. With support from SFLA, she launched a pro-life group to help others recognize the value of preborn life. 

“With the help of Students for Life of America, several classmates and I began the process of forming an official club to support pregnant women and parenting students on campus by providing resources, baby showers, scholarships, and community,” explained Cain. 

However, her efforts were met with resistance. 

“Without explanation, she told me that the college was denying us official status as a student group.” 

Determined to stand for free speech, Cain partnered with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and filed a lawsuit, sending a clear message that pro-life voices deserve a place on campus. After a lengthy process, Queens College reversed its policy and recognized her group. 

For Cain, and as affirmed in Scripture, words carry the power of Life and death, making it all the more vital to defend Life-affirming speech on campus. 

SFLA has long championed free speech rights, and we’re proud of students like Cain who persevere through adversity and emerge victorious. Her courage echoes that of others like Riley Dill, who also stood firm against her school administration and won. 

And behind these student leaders are our dedicated regional coordinators, like Texas Regional Coordinator Megan Roos, who walk alongside students daily, helping them form groups, table on campus, and engage in meaningful conversations with abortion-minded peers. 

READ: From Passion to Action: How to Start Your Students for Life Group 

Having been part of SFLA and Students for Life Action (SFLAction) for many years, I’ve witnessed countless acts of courage and the stories shared at this event by elementary and high school students who’ve faced discrimination for their Christian faith inspired me to keep standing up for Life. 

These young voices stood firm against strong cultural tides and institutional opposition, showing a level of tenacity that’s truly remarkable. It’s the kind of courage that inspires our student leaders at SFLA every day. 

President Trump addressed these injustices directly, pointing out how former President Joe Biden had completely ignored such instances of anti-Christian bias, even when they targeted children. In contrast, the Trump Administration has taken meaningful steps to restore religious liberty for people of faith. He also announced a forthcoming order from the Department of Education (DOE) aimed at protecting prayer in schools. 

READ: NPR Shines a Spotlight on Students for Life of America Free Speech Battle on Campuses in the Second Trump Era 

It was a powerful reminder that President Trump is surrounded by good people of faith. These individuals understand and prioritize what it means to ensure Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

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