Today’s Supreme Court decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor marks a resounding victory for parental rights and religious liberty. This decision sends a clear message: parents do not surrender their constitutional rights at the school door, and religious liberty remains a sacred right in our country.

“The Court recognizes what most parents of faith know instinctively: ‘For many people of faith, there are few religious acts more important than the religious education of their children.’ This opinion is a beautiful – even eloquent – discussion of this foundational principle necessary for the enduring strength of our republic. I couldn’t be happier with this decision,” said Matthew Heffron, Senior Counsel at Thomas More Society and author of a friend-of-the-court brief filed in Mahmoud v. Taylor.

Thomas More Society attorneys filed a key amicus brief emphasizing that the Montgomery County School Board had at its disposal a common-sense way to allow the parents to exercise their vital rights—an already in-place “opt out” rule. Included in the brief was an in-depth survey of states’ opt-out/opt-in statutes. Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia now provide parental opt-outs or opt-ins.

“Instead of using common sense, the Board decided to oppress parents’ fundamental religious rights. Parents, not the government, are the ones charged with guiding the upbringing and conversations surrounding sexual education and other sensitive topics with their children in accordance with their religious beliefs and values.”

“In standing with parents, the Court has reinforced the vital role of families in shaping the moral and spiritual foundations of the next generation and has protected children from ideological indoctrination in our public schools. Thomas More Society is proud to stand with parents and celebrate with them in this momentous victory.”

For interviews, please contact Katie Clancy, Communications Director, at kclancy@thomasmoresociety.org.

Additional Information:

• Friend of the Court Brief in Support of Petitioners, filed by Thomas More Society attorneys (March 2025)

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