A group of religious parents has been awarded a $1.5 million settlement following a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States in a dispute over LGBTQ+-themed books in Maryland public schools.
The parents sued the Montgomery County Public Schools after the district removed an opt-out option for lessons involving books featuring LGBTQ+ characters. The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in favor of the parents, finding that denying opt-outs infringed on their religious rights.
Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, said the board’s refusal violated constitutional protections. Following the ruling, the district reinstated an opt-out request form for families with sincerely held religious objections.
The settlement, approved by a federal judge, also requires the district to notify parents in advance of LGBTQ+-themed lessons and allow children to skip them.
Supporters of the parents call the decision a victory for religious freedom and parental rights, while critics argue it represents a setback for inclusivity in schools.
