Children’s books, Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire, England, Image Author Cnbrb (CC BY-SA 4.0 International)
The Archdiocese of Denver alleges that Colorado has precluded participation by religious preschools in the state’s Universal Preschool Program unless they abandon Christian teaching on marriage and gender [1].
The case of St. Mary Catholic Parish vs. Roy (Docket No. 25-581) will now be heard by the US Supreme Court [2]. At issue is whether a state can deny access to a universal funding program on the basis of a religious school’s admission standards.
The Colorado program provides the equivalent of $6,000 to parents who send their child to a public or private preschool of their choice.
Faith-based schools are not specifically excluded under the program. However, Colorado maintains that Catholic preschools discriminate by refusing admission to children on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity (or that of their families). The state is, therefore, withholding funds.
The Archdiocese sees this preclusion by the state as a violation of the First Amendment right to freedom of religion.
The Archdiocese oversees 34 preschools, and considers them an extension of the Roman Catholic Church’s ministry, not simply child-care facilities [3][4]. Catholic preschools are willing to admit any child, but treat biological boys as boys and biological girls as girls. They do not support gender transitioning or promote the gay lifestyle.
Catholics are among those funding Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program. Catholic preschools are not seeking special treatment, but rather the same treatment as secular preschools.
Children need and deserve moral guidance, along with instruction in reading and writing. Taxpayer dollars should not be reserved only for those who hold liberal political views or consider the Bible anachronistic.
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[1] American Magazine, “The Supreme Court to hear clash between Catholic preschools, Colorado over ‘universal’ program” by Kate Scanlon, 4/20/26, https://www.americamagazine.org/news/2026/04/20/supreme-court-catholic-preschools-colorado/.
[2] US Supreme Court, “St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy”, 4/2026, https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/2026/25-581/.
[3] Charisma, “Supreme Court Steps In After Colorado Denies Catholic Pre-K Schools” by American Health, 4/20/26, https://mycharisma.com/news/supreme-court-steps-in-after-colorado-denies-catholic-pre-k-schools/.
[4] Archdiocese of Denver, “Supreme Court to decide whether Colorado can exclude Catholic families from “universal” preschool program”, 4/20/26, https://archden.org/breaking-supreme-court-to-decide-whether-colorado-can-exclude-catholic-families-from-universal-preschool-program/.
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That state has made many trips to the Supreme court on the Freedom of Religion.
I completely agree with your assessment Anna.
Anna, among all the other issues, I worry about parentifying children. They don’t need these kind of burdens placed on them. There should be easy stories and early readers, so the only thing they have to focus on is getting ready to read. I’ve seen young kids come home from public school and they are carrying the burden of global warming, supporting school levies, anti-bullying campaigns, the need to raise money for foster kids., etc, etc. It’s really quite astounding and IMO, really emotionally abusive.
I fully agree w/ you, Gabrielle. Indoctrination starts so early in public schools that it is damaging our children.
My daughters went to a religious school in Australia, and I felt the school always handled the politics well (by largely staying out of it). There was only once when my girls were very little that I found a how-to-vote card for an upcoming referendum about same-sx-marriage. I wasn’t impressed and nor were other parents. I’ve never seen it happen again. Have a strong stance, ok. Talk to me about it, sure. but never through my children, no matter whether you are pro or anti something, kids should be a no-no. We had to have conversations that night I wasn’t ready for and didn’t think they were either. Great post, Linda x
Totally agree that children need moral guidance and instruction in reading & writing and the spending of taxpayers dollars. I believe a Christian based schooling is appropriate for our culture.
Thank you, Ravishank.
You’re welcome Anna.
This is major issue in our day
The activists are infiltrating
everywhere. Even in Australia.
Safe Schools Coalition Australia – Wikipedia https://share.google/TJbhhz83eN6kNehDZ
SMH.