Victory: California School District Will Let Families
Opt Out of Gender Ideology Lessons
Great news! We have a big victory to announce in a federal court case involving our clients, Carlos and Jenny Encinas and their son.
The Encinitas Union School District in California has agreed to change its policies to provide notifications and opt-outs to parents and students when promoting gender ideology or any material that substantially interferes with families’ religious beliefs.
This change is a direct result of First Liberty’s federal lawsuit. In May, a federal district court granted a preliminary injunction holding that schools can’t compel students to speak messages that violate their conscience, and that thie school district must provide notice and the ability to opt out of gender identity curriculum.
This is a tremendous victory for our clients. It guarantees their son—and all students—will not be forced to learn materials that violate their beliefs or teach those lessons to younger students.
“No child should be forced to speak a message that violates his religious convictions,” said Nate Kellum, Senior Counsel for First Liberty. “We are grateful that we were able to reach this settlement on behalf of the families involved.”
Beyond our clients, this is a win for all parents in the Encinitas Union School District. It sets an important precedent protecting parental rights and religious liberty, ensuring that moms and dads are free to raise their children according to their faith.
Thank you for standing strong alongside our clients. You’re the one propelling impactful legal victories for families—just like yours—who simply want what’s best for their children. And it’s all possible because of your faithful support of First Liberty.
As we celebrate this win, we cannot let our guard down. We’re still fighting intense legal battles, as parents and families are facing unprecedented attacks on their rights.
First Liberty will be arguing a case at the U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 7 that also involves parents who want to raise their children in accordance with their religious beliefs.
Winning This Supreme Court Case Will
Stop the State from Hiding Children
First Liberty will be arguing at the U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 7—and our clients need your support to win.
In IPEC v. Ferguson, we’re representing parents who want to raise their children in accordance with their beliefs. But the government doesn’t want them doing that. Even worse, the state will keep families apart and hide kids from their parents if they run away.
We’re challenging a Washington state law that declares parents who object to their child’s claimed “gender identity” are automatically abusive and neglectful. The law allows the government to hide runaway children—from any state—from their parents and facilitate “gender-affirming” treatment without parental notice or consent.
We need your generosity now to help fight this monumental Supreme Court case. It’s an opportunity to protect parental rights and religious liberty for millions across America.
Taking a case to the Supreme Court requires tremendous resources—and we never send our clients a bill thanks to our faithful supporters.
Your gift today will help fuel First Liberty’s efforts, giving our legal team the resources to fight at the highest level—and pursue victories that can protect religious freedom and constitutional rights for decades to come.
Please give today.
Former First Liberty Attorney Christine Pratt Appointed
to Become State Appellate Judge
Exciting news! Another First Liberty attorney has been appointed to serve as a judge.
Gov. Ron DeSantis recently appointed former attorney Christine Pratt to serve on the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal.
Christine served with First Liberty Institute for four years, concentrating on religious liberty matters in education and health care.
Prior to First Liberty, Christine clerked for a Federal Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of North Carolina. After her clerkship, she worked at the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of the General Counsel, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Office for Civil Rights in Washington, D.C.
“Governor DeSantis has made an excellent choice,” said Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel of First Liberty. “Christine has a bright legal mind and clear commitment to the rule of law. We are extraordinarily proud of her as she assumes the bench.”
Leading The Conversation
‘No Child Should Be Forced’: California School District Settles A Gender Lesson Lawsuit – Senior Counsel Nate Kellum | Washington Times
Podcast | Gender, Runaway Minors and Parental Rights: WA Case Heads to SCOTUS – Senior Counsel Ryan Gardner | The Center Square
“Few Things More Terrifying”: Parents Appeal To SCOTUS To Fight State Law Keeping Runaway Gender-confused Kids From Non-conforming Parents – Senior Counsel Ryan Gardner | Heartlander News
Liberation & Labor – Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy Executive Director Jordan J. Ballor | WORLD Opinions
Terrorism, Memory, and 9/11 – Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy Senior Fellow J. Daryl Charles | Providence
First Liberty Alumni Are Helping Nonprofits
Unlock Their Full Potential
A few years ago, Calvin Blaylock attended the Savannah Seminar, one of the many student education and mentorship programs led by our Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy.
“I would highly recommend doing the Savannah Seminar,” Calvin said upon completing the program. “It’s been a great introduction to a network of like-minded people who are extremely intelligent, who are driving each other to be excellent in their different calling and giftings.”
Today, Calvin is doing exactly that. He’s living out his calling, taking his experience from the Seminar and applying it to his career endeavors.
Calvin founded and continues to lead Invictus Strategies, a successful consulting firm whose mission is to unlock the fundraising potential of non-profits.
As Chief of Staff, Calvin has needed an entrepreneurial mindset to build and lead Invictus. But whether he is advising a non-profit executive on major gift strategy or cultivating authentic relationships with donors, Calvin has embraced the opportunity to use his skillset to promote biblical and conservative principles.
Calvin is making a tremendous difference in religious and conservative philanthropy. His impact is the fruit of your support to First Liberty and our Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy.
Editors’ Picks
President Trump’s Top 250 Victories For People of Faith – The White House
Should the Bible Be Taught in Public Schools? Yes. – The Gospel Coalition
Religious Freedom and the American Founding: Reflections on the 250th – Providence Magazine
How Far Can New York Push to Mandate Amish Vaccination? – Juicy Ecumenism
When Justices Drift – SCOTUSblog
