The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case challenging compliance with nondiscrimination policies for preschools that received public funds.
The case, St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, challenges a nondiscrimination agreement that Colorado requires schools to sign to participate in the state’s universal preschool program. The nondiscrimination agreement requires that preschool providers cannot enroll or deny families based on sexual orientation, religious affiliation, income, race, disability, or gender identity.
The Archdiocese of Denver and two of its parishes filed a lawsuit against the state in 2024. The parishes wish to maintain their enrollment policies, which require parents to sign a document which says they will support the teachings of the Church, including on human sexuality.
Justices on the court will likely hear the case in the fall. The justices will be tasked with determining whether the state explicitly discriminated against Catholic schools while allowing other schools to violate its terms for universal preschool access. Click here to read more.