“The freedom of religious expression is a right that I hold very dear,” Jones said.  “I appreciate this important recognition and I will continue working to ensure that every American has the opportunity to freely express their religious views.”  

ZBT honored Rep. Jones, and other Members of Congress who have pledged to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, including the First Amendment right to religious expression without state interference.

Ronald J. Taylor, Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity Inc. presented Congressman Jones the award at a reception honoring Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island.  The Roger Williams Day celebration has been a tradition in ZBT since the early 1920s.  Roger Williams’ advocacy of religious tolerance and freedom continue to remain a fundamental pillar in the U. S. Constitution.  As the largest and oldest historically Jewish fraternity, these rights remain essential to its Jewish and Gentile members.

ZBT National President Taylor commented, “Roger Williams was centuries ahead of his time; he defined and set the standard for the fundamental principles of religious freedom and separation of church and state long before the creators of our Constitution.  His legacy of religious tolerance has allowed America to become the envy of the world; a country where religious, racial and ethnic hatred are not tolerated.” 

ZBT is a non-sectarian fraternity with a strong Jewish heritage.  It currently has over 80 Chapters and Colonies across the Nation and includes over 100,000 alumni.