A lawsuit seeking an opt-out option for LGBTQ+ storybooks in schools will go before the U.S. District Court for Maryland next week.
In May, three families sued Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight and school board members after, per the lawsuit, the board reversed its rule allowing families to opt-out of classroom instruction about family life and human sexuality.
The district court’s calendar shows a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for Mahmoud et al v. McKnight et al next Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. The court will hear oral arguments, according to Becket, the organization that filed the federal lawsuit.
Per MCPS, state law dictates families can only opt-out of classes specifically about human growth and sexuality, and the school system will end opt-outs in reading literacy classes and other curriculums not strictly focused on human growth and sexuality. The school system has chosen picture books involving LGBTQ+ for literacy classes for elementary schoolers.
“These religious parents believe the storybooks are age-inappropriate, spiritually and emotionally damaging for kids and inconsistent with their faith,” states a release from Becket on Thursday. “The lawsuit seeks to restore their ability to help their own children on such complex and sensitive issues.”
“The Supreme Court has held that children are not wards of the state, and that parents have the right to make key decisions about the education of their children on such critical matters concerning family life and human sexuality,” Becket stated in an online case summary on its website.
In a recent FAQ document addressing the LGBTQ+ inclusive texts, MCPS stated, “There is no explicit instruction on gender and sexual identity in elementary school as part of content instruction. Diversifying texts in elementary school will help young people develop empathy for a diverse group of people and learn about identities that might relate to their families or community members.”
MCPS stated that research shows inclusive materials are key to a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students and “increase positive psychosocial and educational outcomes.”
Multiple rallies have been held in Rockville with many parents voicing their demand for an opt-out option. Some others have also gathered to support curriculum involving LGBTQ+ stories.
A rally is also planned ahead of the Aug. 9 hearing at 8 a.m. outside of the courthouse in Greenbelt, according to Becket. It will be hosted by Kids First, an association of parents and teachers who want to protect the opt-out option.
