Harry and Hazel Chavanne Fellow in Religion and Public Policy and Director of the Religion and Public Policy Program
How do students experience faith on campus, and how does religion shape their views on public policy?
In this student panel moderated by Baker Institute fellow Michael O. Emerson, Rice University students David Lee, Zaina Waheed, and Jacob Alemeshet discuss how faith influences their daily lives, identities, and civic perspectives. Representing Christian and Muslim student organizations, the panel explores religious pluralism, freedom of belief, and the challenges of balancing faith and inclusion in a diverse campus environment.
The conversation also examines the relationship between religion and voting behavior, the role of faith-based organizations in policymaking, and current debates in Texas, including legislation involving religion in public schools. This discussion offers insight into how younger generations are approaching faith, civic engagement, and leadership in an increasingly diverse society.
This bonus episode is part of the “Between Pulpit and Policy” series, which examines the role of religion in Texas politics. Produced in partnership with the Baker Institute Student Forum, the series explores how faith intersects with public life and policymaking.
This conversation was recorded on Dec. 4, 2025, in front of a live audience.
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“Texas Briefing” brings expert insights to the policy challenges shaping life in the Lone Star State. Through topical miniseries, institute scholars and their guests untangle issues in health, the economy, climate resilience, and more to understand how policy matters are impacting communities from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast.
Select episodes of our “Baker Briefing” and “Texas Briefing” podcasts are recorded in front of a live studio audience at Rice University in Houston, Texas. These recordings are free and open to the public. To learn about upcoming recordings and other public programming from the Baker Institute, subscribe to our “Events Digest” newsletter, delivered weekly.
This material may be quoted or reproduced without prior permission, provided appropriate credit is given to the author and Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. The views expressed herein are those of the individual author(s), and do not necessarily represent the views of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
