Overview

• The Supreme Court reversed the Fourth Circuit in a 6-3 decision, granting Maryland parents a preliminary injunction to opt their elementary-aged children out of LGBTQ-themed instruction.
• Justice Samuel Alito wrote that requiring children to receive lessons conflicting with their parents’ religious beliefs imposes an unconstitutional burden under the Free Exercise Clause.
• The ruling mandates that Montgomery County Public Schools notify parents in advance before using LGBTQ-themed storybooks for instruction and allow children to be excused until the lawsuit is resolved.
• Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, warning that advance notice and opt-out requirements could impose administrative burdens and disrupt classroom learning.
• Legal experts say the decision could inspire similar lawsuits nationwide as other districts review their inclusive curriculum policies under strict scrutiny.