Supreme Court to hear parents’ rights case
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - This week the Supreme Court hears a case on parental rights in public schools.
At the center of the case are several books that include stories with LGBTQ characters.
The question at the center of this case is whether parents should be able to opt-out of what’s being taught if it goes against their religious beliefs.
“It’s about whether parents have to give up their rights to put their kids in public school,” Vincent Wagner from Alliance Defending Freedom said.
Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland implemented stories in their curriculum that featured LGBTQ+ characters.
The book list included “Pride Puppy,” about a dog that gets loose at a Pride Parade, and “Born Ready, the true story of a boy named Penelope.”
Parents sued, saying the material was contrary to their religious beliefs.
“The parents aren’t asking to direct the curriculum of the school or to tell the school to change the curriculum,” Steven Collins, University of Texas Law Professor said. “What they’re asking for is the right to be able to pull their students from certain lessons that violate their religious beliefs.”
Montgomery County, which is one of the most racially, economically, and religiously diverse in the nation, held firm on their stance.
Rachel Cornwell, a faith leader and Montgomery County parent, agreed with the district.
“I want my kids to be prepared to live in the world as it actually is,” Cornwell said. “And this is part of of that, reading of other people’s stories creates empathy.”
Rachel is also the mother of a trans child. She said the onus is on the parent, not the school.
“My kids learn things at school that I don’t necessarily agree with, but we have robust conversations about how to how to deal with diversity, how to respect and disagree. And I think parents should be empowered to have those conversations with whatever their kids are learning at school.”
Justices will hear both sides of the of the case during oral arguments Tuesday. A decision is expected by the end of June.
Copyright 2025 Gray DC. All rights reserved.
