Lambda Legal submitted an amicus brief joined by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, PFLAG, Inc., and the National Women’s Law Center to the U.S. Supreme Court in Mahmoud v. Taylor, urging the Court to reject a challenge brought by a group of parents claiming their religious rights were unconstitutionally burdened by not being allowed to opt their kids out of reading storybooks that were part of an LGBTQ+ inclusive literacy curriculum in the Montgomery County Public School system.
The brief argues that inclusive curricula are essential to creating school environments where all students can learn and thrive.
“All students benefit from a school climate that promotes acceptance and respect,” said Karen Loewy, Senior Counsel and Director of Constitutional Law Practice, Lambda Legal. “Ensuring that students can see themselves in the curriculum and learn about students who are different is critical for creating a positive school environment. This is particularly crucial for LGBTQ+ students and students with LGBTQ+ family members who already face unique challenges.”
The brief cites extensive social science research demonstrating how inclusive curricula like Montgomery County’s contribute both to students’ own safety and academic success and to engendering understanding and respect for people whose identities differ from their own. Research further highlights the particular vulnerabilities faced by LGBTQ+ youth and children with LGBTQ+ family members in school settings. The brief argues that inclusive educational materials, including age-appropriate storybooks featuring diverse families and identities, play a vital role in creating supportive learning environments.
“Our brief demonstrates how inclusive curricula, including these storybooks, advance a compelling interest in ensuring a safe, supportive school environment where all students can thrive, consistent with public schools’ traditional role in preparing students to navigate our diverse society,” Loewy added.
Read the brief here: https://lambdalegal.org/legal_document/us_20250409_brief-leadership-conference-education-fund-pflag-national-women-law-center-lambda-legal-amici-curiae/