A children’s story about a prince rescuing a knight from danger has become part of a significant legal debate over LGBTQ-themed books in a Maryland school district. This tale, along with four others featuring LGBTQ characters, has sparked controversy among parents in Montgomery County, leading to a Supreme Court case slated for hearing on Tuesday.
Some parents, citing religious beliefs, are seeking to withdraw their children from classes where these books are part of the curriculum. The school district has refused these requests, and lower courts have upheld the district’s decision. However, the Supreme Court, with a conservative majority, might view the situation differently, as it has previously supported claims of religious discrimination.
The parents argue that public schools should not require participation in lessons that conflict with their religious beliefs. They point to similar opt-out options available for sex education and note that the district had initially permitted opt-outs before changing its stance.
Billy Moges, a board member of Kids First, a parents’ group formed in response to the books’ inclusion, expressed concern over the material, stating it inappropriately introduces young children to topics of human sexuality. Moges has removed her daughters from public school, opting for homeschooling and subsequently a private Christian school.
The school district has declined to comment due to the ongoing lawsuit. However, in court documents, the district’s attorneys argue that the books are not part of sex education but rather share stories of personal growth and emotion, akin to traditional tales like “Snow White” and “Cinderella.”
Among the books, “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding” addresses a niece’s concerns about her uncle’s marriage to another man, “Love, Violet” explores a girl’s nervousness about expressing affection to another girl, and “Born Ready” tells the story of a transgender boy’s journey to reveal his gender identity. Another book, “Intersection Allies,” features diverse characters, including one who is gender-fluid.
The school district emphasizes that the books aim to reflect the diversity of Montgomery County families and asserts that they are not used to challenge or alter students’ religious beliefs. The option for parents to withdraw their children was removed due to the logistical challenges it posed.
PEN America, an organization advocating for freedom of expression, has reported numerous book bans and argues that the parents’ demands resemble a de facto book ban. The organization suggests that accommodating opt-outs could lead to the removal of these books from the curriculum.
Tasslyn Magnusson, from PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, hopes that the public will appreciate the educational value of the books, which portray relatable and important experiences for children.
One book, “My Rainbow,” co-authored by Delaware state representative DeShanna Neal and her daughter, was removed from the curriculum without explanation. The story focuses on Trinity, a transgender girl, and her desire for long hair, which her mother fulfills by creating a rainbow wig. Neal advocates for the book’s inclusion, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and listening to children.
