Family Equality emphasizes that representation in educational materials is linked to better educational outcomes and a safer school environment for all students – not just the 5 million children being raised by an LGBTQ+ parent.
Washington D.C. – Family Equality joined a coalition of civil rights organizations in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case Mahmoud v. Taylor, urging the Court to uphold inclusive educational practices that affirm LGBTQ+ families and protect against discriminatory opt-out policies.
- Read the full Amicus Brief signed by NCLR, HRC, Family Equality, COLAGE, Freestate Justice, GLSEN, and The Trevor Project.
The case centers on a challenge by a group of parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, who seek to exempt their children from classroom exposure to books with any LGBTQ+ characters or references based on religious grounds. The parents argue that the school district’s policy, which prohibits opting out of any classes, including those featuring LGBTQ+-themed storybooks, infringes on their religious beliefs and thus their First Amendment rights. The school district introduced books like Pride Puppy and Uncle Bobby’s Wedding to reflect family diversity and foster inclusivity.
Family Equality asserts that allowing such opt-outs would effectively marginalize LGBTQ+ families and send a message that their existence is controversial or inappropriate. This could lead to increased stigmatization and discrimination against children from LGBTQ+ households.
“Inclusive education is vital for fostering understanding and respect among students,” said Nikhil Vashee, Director of Education Law and Policy at Family Equality. “Permitting opt-outs rooted in objections to LGBTQ+ people sends a devastating message — that their lives are somehow less worthy, controversial, or unsafe to acknowledge. And it harms children from diverse families, who deserve to feel seen, valued, and protected.”
The organization emphasizes that diverse representation in educational materials is linked to better educational outcomes for all students – not just the 5 million children being raised by an LGBTQ+ parent (Williams Institute, 2024).
Family Equality stands with other civil rights groups in advocating for an educational system that reflects the diversity of American families and upholds the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals.
About Family Equality
Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, resources, storytelling, and education.
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Tonya Agnew,
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Communications & Marketing
(765) 490-4709 / tagnew@familyequality.org