Now that school has started and your child's curriculum has been received and finalized, we want to help you fully understand this past summer's U.S. Supreme Court decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor that affirmed what we’ve known all along: Parents do not forfeit their rights at the schoolhouse gate. So...in case you missed it, here is an outline of key points to understand so that you fully understand your parental rights:
Mahmoud v. Taylor — At a Glance Ruling Date: June 27, 2025 The Supreme Court (6–3) held that mandating participation in LGBTQ+-inclusive lessons without advance notice or an optout option burdens parents’ religious exercise, violating the First Amendment
Key Principles: • Schools must provide advance notice when controversial content (e.g., LGBTQ+ themes) will be used. • Schools must allow parents to opt their children out of such instruction. • The decision draws on Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972): parents have a right to direct their children’s religious upbringing—even in public schools.
Why This Matters • Preliminary Injunction: The Court reversed lower courts and remanded, granting parents the right to injunctive relief pending further proceedings. • Broader Impact: Opens the door to objections beyond LGBTQ+ content; could extend to other topics but also raises concerns about educational access, administrative burden, and inclusivity.
How Parents Can Claim Their Rights 1 ] Get Notified in Advance • Request written or electronic notice before any lesson involving materials or themes that conflict with your religious beliefs. • Reference the Supreme Court’s holding affirming this requirement. 2 ] Opt Your Child Out • Inform the school/teacher in writing that your child should be excused from the specific lesson or activity. • Cite the ruling stating that parents are entitled to opt-outs when content burdens religious exercise. 3 ] Know Your Legal Backing • Case name: Mahmoud v. Taylor, decided June 27 2025 • Majority opinion written by Justice Alito (joined by Roberts, Thomas, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Barrett); Justice Thomas also filed a concurrence. • Dissent by Justice Sotomayor, joined by Kagan and Jackson, raising concerns about administrative burdens and inclusivity. 4 ] Be Clear and Specific • Specify which upcoming lesson or material you object to and on what religious grounds. • Keep records of your communications and any school responses. 5 ] Follow Up If Needed • If your request is denied or ignored, you may: - File a formal complaint with district administration. - Consult legal counsel about seeking injunctive relief, as this ruling supports such action. 6 ] Advocate Thoughtfully • Attend school board meetings (see below for the Chatham County School Board meeting date and location) or join parent groups to promote transparent and inclusive policies. • Emphasize mutual respect: asserting parental rights doesn't mean blocking curriculum, but requesting accommodations for sincerely held beliefs.
An explanation of what "Parental Opt-Out" means and templates for school board speeches and letters are available here (or click on image below).
"Courage is a Habit" created this first volume of questions for parents to ask schools in your district. Massive lawsuits (including SCOTUS cases) have been won, and we're now done asking -- it's time for demands.
"6 Demands Every Parent Should Make, Vol 1" walks you through how to leverage a curated set of amazing legal wins so you begin the school year on the offensive high ground.
Courage Is A Habit also has these versions of 4 curated opt-out forms that every parent across America should use at the start of the school year. They made it easy for you to protect your children by submitting official documents to make your parental rights known to your school district.
• M4L-Chatham Back-to-School Gathering •
Let's get together! Casual gathering to chat, catch up, vent, share stories, whatever. Bring your kids! Leave your kids at home! Whatever works for you. Just come!
Havoc Brewing Company, 39 West St, Pittsboro 🇺🇸 CONSTITUTION DAY 🇺🇸 Wednesday, September 17th at 6:30pm JOIN US!! (free pocket US Constitutions will be available)
• CCS Board of Education Meeting •
DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON IN CHATHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS? Be informed and watch the meetings online here. Watch or listen to last night's meeting and learn about Chatham County Schools' accountability results -- or read the meeting agenda with the pdf attachments of the presentations (too large to attach here).
The next meeting is: Monday, October 6, 2025 Be there by 5:30pm if you want to speak, 6pm for regular session Central Services Board Room located at 468 Renaissance Drive, Pittsboro All public is welcome to attend.
