Federal Court Upholds Maryland School District Policy on Gender and Sexuality Curriculum

In a recent decision, a federal court upheld a Maryland school district policy that prohibits parents from opting their young K-5 children out of curriculum regarding gender identity and sexuality. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled in a 2-1 panel decision that religious parents did not provide enough evidence to show that the policy infringed on their religious freedom or right to direct their children’s education. The court’s decision denied the request to block the policy issued by the Montgomery County Public Schools board in 2023. The parents, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, argued that the curriculum violated their right to raise their children according to their faith and beliefs. The curriculum includes books such as “The Pride Puppy” and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding” which the parents deemed inappropriate for young students. The dissenting opinion, written by a judge appointed by former President Donald Trump, argued that the policy burdened the parents’ right to practice their religion and should be overturned. The case will likely be appealed to the Supreme Court.