Maryland Federal Court Rules Parents Cannot Opt Out of Radical Gender Theory Curriculum for Their Children

A Federal Court Rules Parents Cannot Opt Out of Curriculum on Radical Gender Theory

A federal court in Maryland has ruled that parents do not have the right to opt their children out of a curriculum that includes books about radical gender theory. The decision was made by Judge Deborah L. Boardman, who was appointed by President Biden.

The judge stated that parents' claim of a due process right to direct their children's upbringing by opting out of a public-school curriculum that conflicts with their religious views is not considered a fundamental right. This ruling has sparked controversy and debate about parental rights and the role of schools in shaping children's education.

Controversy Over LGBTQ Curriculum in Maryland Schools

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland introduced 22 new books featuring LGBTQ characters and gender theory topics in elementary classrooms last year. Parents were then prohibited from opting their children out of gender and sexuality instruction in March. This decision led to backlash from religious parents, who filed a lawsuit challenging the district's decision in May. These parents, along with Becket Law, have requested a preliminary injunction to allow them to opt their children out of the LGBTQ curriculum when the new school year begins.

A school district's LGBTQ curriculum for pre-k through 8th-grade students has sparked controversy. The curriculum includes topics such as sex change procedures, drag queens, "intersex" identity, gay pride parades, and preferred pronouns. According to National Review, one of the books used in the curriculum suggests that doctors only "guess" a baby's sex at birth. The curriculum has raised concerns among some parents and conservative groups.

Parental Notice and Opt-Outs Removed

The district court has ruled that parents do not have the right to be notified when extreme ideology is presented to their elementary-age children during story hour. The case is now set to be appealed in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Montgomery County School Board used to provide parental notice and opt-outs for books that discuss topics like pride parades, gender transitioning, and pronoun preferences for young children. However, a statement suggests that children should be allowed to enjoy their innocence and be guided by their own parents on how and when to approach these sensitive issues.

Judge Rules Ban on Opt-Out Policy Does Not Infringe on Religious Beliefs

A federal judge has ruled that a school district's ban on an opt-out policy for controversial storybooks does not infringe on parents' religious beliefs. The judge argued that the policy does not pressure parents to refrain from teaching their faiths or engage in conduct that violates their religious beliefs. While the policy may pressure parents to discuss the topics raised by the storybooks with their children, these discussions are anticipated and not prohibited by their faiths. The judge stated that parents are not forced to violate their religious beliefs in order to receive the benefits of a public education.