by Jorge Gomez • 2 minutes
We recently secured a big victory in our federal court case involving the Encinas family—an important step toward protecting free speech, free exercise and parental rights for families across America.
The Encinitas Union School District has voluntarily dismissed its federal appeal, which leaves in place an important victory that First Liberty secured in federal district court back in May.
In that ruling, a district court held that schools can’t compel students to speak messages that violate their conscience, and that this district must provide notice and opt-outs to parents and students from gender ideology materials that conflict with their religious beliefs.
In a similar case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled recently that it’s unconstitutional for schools to deny parents the right to receive advance notice and opt-outs from any teaching that substantially interferes with their religious beliefs.
“We are glad that the school district saw the writing on the wall and withdrew their appeal in light of Supreme Court precedent and the District’s preliminary injunction loss,” said Kayla Toney, Counsel for First Liberty.
As a result of our suit, the district now appears to be aligning its policies with Supreme Court precedent. This is a significant step toward ultimate victory for our clients. Families in their school district now have the freedom to make the educational decisions that are best for them—including the freedom to opt out.
This district court’s ruling, together with Supreme Court precedent, makes it clear that our children are not children of the State—and that school districts cannot elevate radical indoctrination above religious freedom. Parents have a constitutional right to raise their children consistently with their beliefs, and they have a right to know what their children are being taught in school.
Thank you for supporting First Liberty. This victory is an important stride forward in our efforts to defend the rights of so many Americans—families just like yours who simply want what’s best for their children. And it’s all possible because of your faithful support.
The Battle for Religious Families Continues
Even with this major victory, parents and families are facing unprecedented attacks on their rights.
While stifling religious freedom, school districts in California and across the country continue to force 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.
Your support right now can make a huge difference. With our Encinas case, we have an opportunity to impact religious freedom for generations. This is about our children’s future, making sure that our children are not forced to participate in lessons or speak messages that violate their faith.
There’s still a lot of work ahead to secure a complete victory. Will you join us as we continue to fight for the Encinas family and countless more religious families across the country?
Please give to First Liberty today.
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