The Supreme Court’s conservative majority is poised to strike down a Maryland school district policy that allows LGBTQ+ books in elementary classrooms without parental opt-outs. If the court rules in favor of the challenge, it could create a national precedent, allowing families to pull their children out of any lesson that includes LGBTQ+ representation, even simple stories about two moms or a prince and a knight falling in love.

This is not about religion. It’s about whether LGBTQ+ children and families can be included in the basic stories children learn at school. These are books that reflect the real lives of millions of students, yet a small group of parents is trying to erase them from the classroom entirely.

If the Supreme Court allows religious opt-outs here, it opens the door for broad censorship across the country. School boards will be flooded with objections to diverse books, and teachers will be forced to self-censor to avoid legal risk. LGBTQ+ students already face higher rates of bullying and suicide, removing affirming stories will only make schools feel less safe and less welcoming.

We urge the Montgomery County School Board to stand firm. We urge education leaders and lawmakers across the country to defend inclusive curricula that reflect the diversity of American families.

Every child deserves to feel seen. Every classroom deserves to tell the truth. Sign now to oppose this dangerous rollback and protect LGBTQ+ representation in schools.

[Photo Credit: AP]