The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a significant First Amendment case stemming from a decision by the Montgomery County, Maryland school board to rescind its policy allowing parents to opt out of curriculum related to gender identity and sexuality. This action triggered a federal lawsuit.
Despite indications that the court’s ruling will likely favor parental involvement, American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten expressed reservations about the proceedings. She voiced concern that the case risks exacerbating divisions within communities, arguing instead for a collective focus on ensuring inclusivity and acceptance in all educational settings. “My concern is that it could pit people against each other when what we really need to be doing is making sure that every one of God’s children is accepted in our classrooms,” she stated during an appearance on “The Story.” “Whether that person is an evangelical Christian or whether that is the daughter or the son of gay parents, that is our obligation in schools. So it’s a failure of all of us that this case is in the Supreme Court right now.”
In 2022, Montgomery County introduced LGBTQ+ characters and themes into its elementary school curriculum as part of an “inclusivity” initiative. Initially, parents were permitted to exclude their children from this program; however, the district swiftly reversed course in March 2023, eliminating opt-out options and discontinuing prior notification to families regarding the inclusion of these materials.
The school board’s stated justification for this change was an increase in student absenteeism. While the AFT does not have direct representation within the Maryland county case, Weingarten addressed broader concerns surrounding “woke ideology” and parental rights in education. She acknowledged parental rights but underscored the importance of local communities engaging in thoughtful discussions regarding age-appropriate and potentially controversial materials.
Despite these viewpoints, the union leader emphasized a commitment to fostering a “welcoming and safe environment” within schools while simultaneously recognizing the need for academic success—specifically in reading, writing, and math. She argued that the federal government’s role should be centered on addressing educational disparities and supporting all students.
Recent data from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often referred to as “The Nation’s Report Card,” revealed concerning trends in literacy and math. Eighth-grade reading scores remained virtually stagnant compared to 2022, while fourth-grade reading scores declined slightly. Alarmingly, one-third of eighth-grade students performed below the basic proficiency level – a record low for the assessment.
While fourth-grade mathematics showed a modest improvement, its average score was still 3 points lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. States like Mississippi, which have implemented school choice initiatives and expanded teacher training programs, have seen positive developments—a progress Weingarten described as “terrific.” She stated her union is exploring similar strategies to achieve comparable improvements for students nationwide.
The report was compiled by Fox News Digital contributors Bradford Betz, Shannon Bream, David Spunt, and Bill Mears.