A children’s book titled “Prince and Knight,” which tells the story of a prince who saves a knight and eventually falls in love with him, is at the center of a legal case that has reached the Supreme Court. This case involves a Maryland school district where the inclusion of five LGBTQ-themed books in the elementary school curriculum has sparked controversy among parents. These parents, citing religious objections, wish to withdraw their children from classes using these books.
The Montgomery County school system has denied these requests, and lower courts have so far sided with the district. However, with the current Supreme Court’s conservative majority, the outcome could potentially shift. The parents assert that public schools should not compel students to engage in educational content that conflicts with their religious beliefs, highlighting existing precedents for opting out of sex education. Initially, the district permitted parents to remove their children from these lessons, but later reversed its decision.
Billy Moges, a board member of the parents group Kids First, criticized the curriculum as being overly sexual, arguing it introduces concepts of human sexuality that are inappropriate for young children. Moges, prioritizing her religious beliefs, withdrew her three daughters from public school. They initially received homeschooling and are now enrolled in a private Christian school.
The school district, refraining from public comments due to the ongoing litigation, contends in legal documents that the books are not part of sex education. The narratives aim to depict everyday experiences of characters facing new emotions and adventures, akin to traditional tales like Snow White and Peter Pan. Among the books discussed are “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” featuring a same-sex marriage, and “Love, Violet,” which explores a girl’s feelings for another girl. “Born Ready” addresses a transgender boy’s journey of sharing his identity, while “Intersection Allies” presents diverse characters, including one who is gender-fluid.
The books were selected to reflect the diversity of Montgomery County families, with school lawyers assuring that there is no intent to pressure students to alter their religious views. The option of parental withdrawal from these lessons was eliminated by the district, citing disruptions as a primary reason.
PEN America, an organization advocating for freedom of expression, has criticized the parents’ actions as an attempt to ban books under the guise of religious freedom. Tasslyn Magnusson from PEN America’s Freedom to Read program emphasized the importance of these stories as educational tools, expressing hope that individuals would recognize their value in representing school experiences.
“My Rainbow,” another book initially part of the curriculum, narrates the story of a transgender girl desiring long hair and her mother’s creative response. Co-written by Delaware state Rep. DeShanna Neal and her daughter, Trinity, this book has faced removal from various libraries across the country. Neal advocates for education that embraces diversity, encouraging parents to listen to their children’s understanding of their identities.