A Win for Colorado Parents and Religious Freedom
A federal judge has upheld the First Amendment rights of a Christian private school, blocking the state's attempt to exclude them from participating in a taxpayer-funded universal preschool program.
The school, Darren Patterson Christian Academy, had been denied participation due to their religious requirement that employees share their faith and that students use bathrooms and pronouns corresponding to their biological sex.
The decision, made by U.S. District Judge Daniel Domenico, is a victory for religious freedom and parental choice. In his ruling, Judge Domenico stated that the exclusion of the preschool based on its beliefs is "inherently anti-universal" and goes against the principles of equity and equal opportunity.
This case began when the Colorado Department of Early Childhood denied the school's request for an exemption from non-discrimination requirements, which include barring schools from discriminating based on religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Despite being approved to participate in the program and receiving state funding for tuition, the school was unsure if they could continue due to the conflict between their faith-based policies and the state's requirements.
Paid for by Advance Colorado
But now, thanks to Judge Domenico's ruling, the school can continue participating in the program while also adhering to their religious beliefs.
The judge's decision is based on the Supreme Court's recent ruling in 303 Creative, LLC v. Elenis, which stated that a state could not enforce anti-discrimination laws against a wedding website designer who refused to create websites for same-sex weddings. This ruling sets a precedent for protecting the First Amendment rights of religious organizations.
This is a major victory for parents who want to choose a preschool that aligns with their values and beliefs. The state's universal preschool program was intended to provide flexibility and choice for families, and this decision upholds that mission. It allows parents to choose a preschool where their children will be taught in accordance with their religious beliefs, including the important idea that there are only two sexes, male and female.
The school's lawyer, Jeremiah Galus, praised the ruling, stating, "the government cannot force religious schools to abandon their beliefs." This sentiment is important as the state continues to push for non-discrimination requirements that could potentially infringe upon the religious freedom of schools and other organizations.
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This is not just a win for Darren Patterson Christian Academy, but for all religious organizations and families who want to exercise their constitutional rights.
The case is ongoing, but for now, the court has spoken and stood up for the protection of religious beliefs and freedom of speech. This is a victory for Colorado and the United States as a whole, as we continue to defend our foundational values, liberties, and the rights of individual Americans.