Following SCOTUS Ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor, Attorney General Bonta Reaffirms California’s Commitment to Ensuring Schools Remain a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit’s judgment in Mahmoud v. Taylor. In April 2025, Attorney General Bonta filed an amicus brief urging the Court to affirm the Fourth Circuit’s judgment, arguing that the Montgomery County Board of Education’s decision to incorporate LGBTQ+ inclusive books into its curriculum falls within state and local governments’ discretion to shape their curriculum and does not infringe on the free exercise right of religion. The Supreme Court today held that the Board’s introduction of the LGBTQ+ inclusive books, combined with its no-opt-out policy, burdens the parents’ right to the free exercise of religion. Additionally, the Court concluded that the Board’s policy of not providing opt-outs was not narrowly tailored to advance its interests in maintaining an undisrupted school session conducive to learning and protecting students from social stigma and isolation.

“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,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Amidst the rise in attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, it’s now more important than ever that we affirm and protect the rights of all students including our most vulnerable individuals. 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. In California, we will continue to remain a beacon of inclusivity, diversity, and belonging.”

A copy of the decision can be found here.