NCJW Outraged by SCOTUS Decision to Allow Religion to Enter Public School Classrooms
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 27, 2025
PRESS CONTACT: [email protected]
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its opinion in Mahmoud v. Taylor, severely weakening the separation of religion and state by allowing parents to cite religious objections against books involving LGBTQ+ content.
In response, Darcy Hirsh, senior director of government relations and advocacy at National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) — one of the nation’s leading Jewish feminist civil rights organizations, representing 250,000 advocates from across the country — issued the following statement:
“The Supreme Court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor is a radical departure from longstanding precedent and a devastating blow to public education. The Court gives free license to families to avoid exposure to ideas that may differ from their own religious beliefs under the guise of religious freedom, opening the door to unprecedented disruption in our public schools. This ruling suggests that simply acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ+ people is a harm that threatens the religious beliefs and practices of others.
“Public schools should foster an environment where children of all backgrounds and religions come together to learn, grow, and build the skills needed to live in a diverse, democratic society — not spaces where learning is limited or divided based on individual beliefs. Today’s decision allows faith to be weaponized to exclude, marginalize, and discriminate LGBTQ+ people and others. Above all, students — who should feel safe and accepted at school — could suffer as those of any particular faith can now influence what they are allowed to learn.
”National Council of Jewish Women works to protect both freedom of religion and freedom from religion — principles enshrined in the First Amendment and foundational to this country. As a Jewish organization, we understand deeply the importance of religious freedom and have also benefitted from the diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect that is the bedrock of our democracy. NCJW’s 250,000 advocates across the country will remain steadfast in our advocacy for the separation of religion and state, and in our commitment to public education that reflects the dignity and worth of all people, including LGBTQ+ individuals and families.”
NCJW joined this amicus brief on behalf of faith and civil rights organizations led by Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a 132-year-old Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 250,000 grassroots advocates and 48 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to effect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels. We approach our work through the intersections of gender, economic, and racial justice to center those most impacted in a uniquely Jewish way. Learn more at NCJW.org, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.