California school forces students
to promote gender confusion
We represent two families whose fifth-grade sons were compelled to affirm a book titled “My Shadow is Pink,” which teaches children to question their gender identity. It tells a story of a boy who sees his shadow as pink (instead of blue), depicted as “your inner-most you,” and decides to wear a dress to school. The dad changes his beliefs, puts on a dress too, and tells his son, “your shadow is you and pink it will be, so stand up with your shadow and yell, THIS IS ME!”
The fifth graders were exposed to this troubling message, which ran counter to their religious beliefs. They were also forced to indoctrinate a kindergarten “buddy” in this teaching as part of the school’s mentoring program.
The parents we represent have a deeply held conviction to raise their children consistent with their religious beliefs. They had no idea about the “My Shadow is Pink” exercise before it happened. Appalled, they asked the school district to provide notice of similar teaching in the future and let their children opt out. But those requests were denied.
The Supreme Court has long recognized parents’ constitutional right to direct the education and upbringing of their children.
That’s why we’re respectfully requesting that public schools follow these guidelines:
Will you join us as we protect the rights of parents?
– First Liberty Counsel Kayla Toney
First Liberty sued the Encinitas Union School District in federal court, arguing it must provide notice and opt-outs to parents and students with religious objections.
The district claims these opt-outs are unavailable. But it allows opt-outs for other activities, like animal dissections for students with moral objections. School officials determined children must learn and affirm gender identity teaching—no matter what parents or the children believe.
Parents have a right to direct their children’s religious upbringing. There is perhaps no right more deeply rooted in our nation’s history and tradition. The school district must end its unlawful behavior and protect the religious liberty of all students by allowing our clients to opt their children out.
All across America, religious parents and families are facing unprecedented attacks on their rights.
While stifling religious freedom, school districts seem to be comfortable with forcing radical ideology on students, often in violation of their religious beliefs. It’s wrong—and illegal—for school districts to keep parents in the dark or to tell them that they can’t opt their children out from controversial materials.
Radical ideology and woke indoctrination do not belong in the classroom. School officials and administrators have a responsibility to work with parents to make sure their instruction respects the religious liberty of all of their students. School districts must follow the law and ensure children are not forced to participate in anything that violates their religious convictions.
*If contributions exceed the immediate needs of a specific project or case, First Liberty may redirect funds at its discretion to provide support for other religious liberty matters.
These families are just like yours. Just like mine. They simply want what’s best for their kids. But the school district has chosen to elevate radical indoctrination above religious freedom.
Our children are not children of the State. Our clients need your support to win their case. We’re asking you to join them in this legal battle.
Winning won’t just impact our clients or families in California. It would be a win for millions of parents, students and religious families all across America. It would be a win for YOU and your family.
Please give to First Liberty today.
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