Minnesota Moms

In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, six Muslim families have grown roots in the local community after moving from war-torn Somalia. Thirteen children from these families attend elementary schools in the district, and five older children attend St. Louis Park Middle and High School.

In early October 2023, their third and fourth-grade children informed their parents that teachers had introduced books in English class with LGBTQ characters and themes. The books depict gay parents as heroic and describe their adoption of a child as a “miraculous surprise” and a “dream” that “came true.” Another of the books describes a young child who does not want to be called a girl or a boy and is applauded for their identity.

Another book from second grade, My Shadow is Pink, advocates gender fluidity and tells boys that they can wear dresses. In the story, a boy wants to wear a dress at school, and his dad, resistant at first, eventually puts on a dress as well and tells his son, “Your shadow is pink; it’s your innermost you.” He also says, “stand up with your shadow and yell, this is me…so put on that dress and get back to school.”

The readings were accompanied by the teachers’ commentary about what it means to be LGBTQ. The books and the classroom discussions caused significant confusion and distress to these families, because the views on sexuality expressed in the books and by the teachers are in stark contrast with their deeply held religious beliefs.

When the parents asked for their children to opt out, school district officials denied their requests. One principal said it was important for their children to learn this material because their children “have friends with LGBT parents” and “LGBT teachers.”

Several Somali moms testified at the school board meeting in October 2023, respectfully asking for notice and opt-outs when their children encounter teaching about LGBTQ sexuality. But one school board member chastised them and stormed out of the meeting.

In November, First Liberty and True North Legal sent a demand letter to the superintendent, school board members, and principals explaining how the district’s previous denial of opt-outs violated the First Amendment and state law.

Just three weeks later, the school district created an “Alternative Learning Procedure” that had not existed before. First Liberty and True North Legal sent a second letter to the school district, explaining that the procedure needed to be streamlined and should not inquire into the details of the families’ religious beliefs. With the assistance of First Liberty and True North Legal, all six families submitted broad opt-out requests without detailing their religious beliefs.

In January and February 2024, school officials granted the opt-out requests of all six families and met with them to develop alternative learning plans. Not only are their elementary school students guaranteed the ability to opt-out, but the middle school and high school granted the parents’ requests as well. Because a process is now in place for families to request alternative learning, any parent can review the curriculum and request an opt-out, without having to explain their reasoning in detail.

“We believe that we have a sacred obligation to teach the principles of our faith to our children without being undermined by the schools.  We are grateful to First Liberty for helping us and to the school for recognizing the importance of our faith,” said Fatuma Irshat, one of the mothers.

Another parent, Hodan Hassan, said, “We came to America because of its rich heritage of protecting religious liberty and the opportunity to raise our children in a place where they have access to success.  We were shocked that our children were being taught material that violates our beliefs, but we’re grateful that the school has granted our opt-out requests.”

“Diversity and inclusion must extend to religious families, too,” added Kayla Toney, Associate Counsel at First Liberty.  “This is why the First Amendment specifically protects religious exercise.”

“True North Legal exists to protect the religious freedom of Minnesota families,” said Renee Carlson, General Counsel of True North Legal. “We’re proud to have worked with these families and the St. Louis Park School District to ensure that their constitutional rights are protected. Ensuring the religious freedom of students and their families is paramount, and infringing upon that right is unacceptable.”