(RNS) The U.S. military should protect minority faiths within its ranks, said a California congresswoman on Tuesday (May 18) at a Capitol Hill symposium on religion in the military.

“Government has a duty to protect religious freedoms … and not to allow them to be trampled on, anywhere,” said Lois Capps, D-Calif. “Diversity is a hallmark of our society.”

On Tuesday, The Washington Post published a story on a Muslim soldier who has filed more than 20 complaints alleging religion-based harassment. The soldier, Spec. Zachari Klawonn, received a threatening note in March addressing his Muslim faith.

A group of four panelists discussed Klawonn and solutions to religious intolerance in the military, including education, new laws, and intervention by the Supreme Court.

“We need education,” said panelist Mohamed Elsanousi, director of community outreach for the Islamic Society of North America. “Education is the key.”

Retired Brig. Gen. Rabbi Israel Drazin said that Congress should pass a lawmaking it more difficult for the military to curtail religious observances in the name of military necessity.

“If Congress is not able to do it, then religious groups should petition the Supreme Court,” Drazin said.

The other panelists included retired Maj. David Fitzkee and United States Naval War College professor Martin Cook.