On Friday, the Supreme Court affirmed the rights of parents to let their children opt out of LGBTQ+ readings in public schools. The case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, was filed in 2023 by county parents frustrated by Montgomery County Public Schools’ policy.
In a press statement released Friday afternoon County Executive Marc Elrich found fault with the decision:
“Many in our community, including LGBTQ+ families, have experienced hate based on race, religion, ethnicity and sexual orientation, and these fears have only increased with the new administration. I grew up with anti-Semitism, and I know what hate looks like. No one should have to experience that. We cannot and should not deny the reality of our diverse community, and this ruling threatens to further divide us and to legitimize exclusion.
Council President Kate Stewart expressed her frustration with the Court:
“I am deeply disappointed in today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor, which limits access to LGBTQ+ inclusive books in public schools. This ruling undermines the hard work that Montgomery County and counties across the nation have taken to promote a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone is seen and valued as their true and authentic selves. “
Will Jawando, Council Vice President and Chair of the Education and Culture Committee stated:
“As chair of the Education and Culture Committee, I want to be clear: Montgomery County Public Schools will always be a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ students and families. We must continue to ensure that ALL our community members see their families and experiences reflected in our schools. Protecting inclusive education is not just a matter of academic integrity; it is a matter of justice and dignity for all our students.”
Republican Party leader Reardon Sullivan weighed in with his support for parents’ rights:
“When we participated in the demonstrations last year, we saw Christians, Jews, Muslims, and immigrants fighting to maintain control of their children. It was amazing to see parents who were on the right side of this issue. It is actions like this that are bringing so many people over to the Republican party.”
County Executive Elrich ended his statement on a positive note:
“I am confident that here in Montgomery County, we can find a way to ensure that our practices reflect the entirety of our community and that everybody can be a part of our community even when they have a different opinion or practice.”
