Faith
Catholic Preschools Seek Justice at Supreme Court
Faith Facts
- The Archdiocese of Denver, Catholic preschools, and a Catholic family are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review Colorado’s exclusion of faith-based preschools from a universal pre-K program.
- The Colorado Universal Preschool Program requires all participants to sign a nondiscrimination agreement relating to sexual orientation and gender identity, which conflicted with the schools’ religious convictions.
- A federal appeals court upheld Colorado’s policy, but the plaintiffs argue it violates the First Amendment rights of religious institutions.
Families seeking a Christian preschool education in Colorado are facing obstacles because of requirements tied to secular values. The conflict centers on whether Catholic preschools can uphold their faith principles without being excluded from state benefits.
Religious liberty advocates warn that denying equal participation to faith-based schools harms America’s tradition of freedom of conscience. They urge the Supreme Court to protect the right of Christian families to access preschool programs in accordance with their beliefs.
“Colorado is picking winners and losers based on the content of their religious beliefs,” said Nick Reaves, senior counsel at Becket. “That sort of religious discrimination flies in the face of our nation’s traditions and decades of Supreme Court rulings. We’re asking the Court to step in and make sure ‘universal’ preschool really is universal.”
The outcome of this legal battle will impact the ability of faith communities to educate children according to biblical foundations. Stand firm in praying that our schools and families remain free to follow their Christian convictions.