Overview
- The 5-4 decision leaves the 2019 social studies standards in effect until a new set is lawfully adopted by the State Board of Education and approved by the Legislature.
- Justices found the board voted on a version that differed from the posted draft after last-minute revisions were not disclosed to the public or fully reviewed by members.
- The disputed guidelines included extensive references to Christianity and language elevating baseless claims about the 2020 election and COVID-19’s origins.
- The Education Department, now led by State Superintendent Lindel Fields, said it respects the decision and will develop new standards with full transparency under the Open Meeting Act.
- The court did not rule on church–state or content-based claims raised by plaintiffs, deciding the case on procedural grounds tied to the Open Meeting Act; former superintendent Ryan Walters condemned the ruling.