TL;DR
- Supreme Court to hear LGBTQ preschool case
- Colorado’s universal preschool policy at stake
- Religious schools challenge nondiscrimination rules
- Decision could impact families nationwide
- Arguments to begin in October 2026.
Hold onto your rainbow hats, folks! The Supreme Court is gearing up to hear a case that could shake the very foundations of preschool education for LGBTQ families across the nation. The case, St. Mary Catholic Parish in Littleton v. Roy, is all about whether publicly funded preschools can legally exclude children just because their parents happen to be LGBTQ+. Can you believe it?
Colorado’s universal preschool program, which has been a beacon of inclusivity, requires all participating providers—yes, even those religious schools—to follow nondiscrimination rules that cover sexual orientation and gender identity. But now, some religious institutions are throwing a hissy fit, claiming that these rules force them to choose between receiving public funding and sticking to their traditional beliefs about marriage and family. Sounds a bit dramatic, don’t you think?
The Supreme Court granted review for this case on April 20, and they’re expected to make a decision by June of next year. Arguments will kick off during the court’s next term, starting in October. So, mark your calendars, because this is going to be one for the books!
Lower courts have upheld Colorado’s policy, affirming that it applies equally to both religious and non-religious providers. But the challengers are determined to take this fight to the highest court in the land, arguing that the nondiscrimination rule infringes on their religious freedoms. But let’s be real: using taxpayer money to turn away a four-year-old simply because of who their parents love? That’s not religious freedom—that’s discrimination in a shiny disguise.
Mardi Moore, the CEO of Rocky Mountain Equality, didn’t hold back when she spoke to The Advocate: “In Colorado, we believe every child deserves to belong in their community and in their classroom. Colorado’s universal preschool program was built on that promise: that public dollars serve all children without exception.” Preach, Mardi!
As we await the Supreme Court’s decision, LGBTQ+ advocates are sounding the alarm about the potential fallout. This case could set a dangerous precedent, allowing religious providers in public programs to legally turn away children based on their parents’ identities. And that, dear readers, is a slippery slope we do not want to go down.
So, what’s next? We’ll be keeping a close eye on this case as it unfolds, and we encourage you to do the same. Every child deserves to feel welcomed and loved, regardless of who their parents are. Let’s hope the Supreme Court remembers that when they make their ruling next year!