On April 22, 2025, U.S. Supreme Court justices deliberated a case involving religious parents challenging an LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum in Montgomery County, Maryland. These parents, from conservative religious backgrounds, contended that compulsory participation infringes on their rights, labeling it as indoctrination. The school district defended its curriculum, arguing that derogating it would burden their administrative capacities and harm LGBTQ students' dignity. While previous court decisions sided with the district, the current Supreme Court appears divided, with conservative justices inclined towards the parents' opt-out request, raising crucial implications for educational policy and minority rights.
Requiring the district to let parents opt their children out of the curriculum could also stigmatize students who are LGBTQ or part of LGBTQ families.
Lower federal courts, including the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, have ruled in favor of the district's arguments.
Conservative justices of the Supreme Court seemed likely to rule in the religious parents' favor.
Justice Samuel Alito asked lawyers representing the school district, 'What's the big deal about allowing them to opt out?'
Kagan also noted that such a move would introduce real concerns for LGBTQ students.
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