Supreme Court Upholds Parental Rights: A Landmark Win for Families

At Blessings of Liberty, we believe that the family is the bedrock of society — a divine establishment and the cornerstone of a free people. We stand on the conviction that parents possess the God-given and constitutionally protected right to direct the upbringing of their children. This is not a new idea. It is deeply rooted in our history, enshrined in the First, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments, in Natural Law, and consistently upheld by the United States Supreme Court through all of American history.

On Friday, June 27, the Supreme Court reinforced this truth in Mahmoud v. Taylor, ruling 6–3 in favor of parents challenging Montgomery County, Maryland’s decision to deny them the right to opt their children out of classroom lessons that conflicted with their religious beliefs. This ruling is a tremendous victory for parental rights. One that echoes generations of case law defending the sacred trust between parents and their children.

Case History: A Legacy of Parental Rights

In Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), the Court famously declared:

“The fundamental theory of liberty upon which all governments in this Union repose excludes any general power of the State to standardize its children by forcing them to accept instruction from public teachers only. The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.”

Later, in Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972), the Court reaffirmed that:

“The history and culture of Western civilization reflect a strong tradition of parental concern for the nurture and upbringing of their children. This primary role of the parents… is now established beyond debate as an enduring American tradition.”

And in Moore v. East Cleveland (1977), the Court reflected that:

"Our decisions establish that the Constitution protects the sanctity of the family precisely because the institution of the family is deeply rooted in this Nation's history and tradition. It is through the family that we inculcate and pass down many of our most cherished values, moral and cultural."

These precedents formed the backdrop for Mahmoud v. Taylor, where Justice Alito, writing for the majority, stated:

“For many people of faith across the country, there are few religious acts more important than the religious education of their children… [and] for many, the religious education of their children is not merely a preferred practice but rather a religious obligation.”

Why This Decision Matters

The Court’s ruling requires that any government policy infringing on these parental rights must survive “strict scrutiny” — the highest standard of judicial review. This is a major step forward, strengthening protections for parents in the public education context.

Yet, as significant as this decision is, it does not eliminate the need for a Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Such an amendment would secure parental rights across all areas, shielding them from future judicial reversals or legislative overreach.

Our Work: Equipping Parents to Defend Their Rights

In light of this ruling, Blessings of Liberty is proud to announce the release of our Opt-Out Letter, available now on our Parental Rights Project page. This resource provides parents with a clear, legally grounded tool for requesting exemptions from classroom materials that conflict with their values.

As we celebrate this monumental ruling, we are reminded that our liberties are never self-preserving — they must be actively defended. The Mahmoud v. Taylor decision is a vital victory for families, but the fight continues to ensure that the blessings of liberty are secured for our posterity.

Explore our parental rights works and stand with us in defending parental rights at:
👉 www.ourblessingsofliberty.org/parentalrights