California Attorney General Rob Bonta responded to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that reversed the judgment of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in the case of Mahmoud v. Taylor. The case involved the Montgomery County Board of Education’s inclusion of LGBTQ+ inclusive books in its curriculum and its policy of not allowing parents to opt out.
In April 2025, Attorney General Bonta filed an amicus brief supporting the Fourth Circuit’s decision, arguing that local governments have discretion over their curricula and that this does not infringe on religious freedoms. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the inclusion of these books, along with the no-opt-out policy, burdens parents’ rights to freely exercise their religion. The Court also found that the policy was not narrowly tailored to support uninterrupted learning and protect students from stigma.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized California’s commitment to inclusivity in education: “At the California Department of Justice, we remain committed to defending and upholding the rights of our LGBTQ+ students and ensuring that schools foster environments grounded in respect, understanding, and inclusivity,” he stated. He added that it is crucial to affirm and protect student rights amidst increasing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.
Bonta reiterated California’s dedication to maintaining an inclusive educational environment where all students feel supported: “By ensuring our curriculum reflects the full diversity of our student population, we foster an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.”
A copy of the Supreme Court’s decision is available for public viewing.
