(The Center Square) – The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty announced resources for parents to opt their children out of diversity, equity and inclusion school lessons.
The June decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Mahmoud v. Taylor recognized parents’ constitutional right to opt their children out of school lessons that go against their religion. The conservative-leaning nonprofit law firm has provided an opt-out request template this week for parents to use.
This template, among other things, allows parents to notify the school that their child is not allowed to participate in lessons that center on gender ideology, critical race theory or religious rituals.
For example, the parents would simply fill in the gaps of the template with their child’s name and grade and sign it at the bottom. The opt-out form concludes:
“Basis for Opt-Out: I request that my child be excused from the above-described instruction or activity due to sincerely held religious beliefs that conflict with the content, consistent with parental rights affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 27, 2025, in Mahmoud v. Taylor.
“I understand such books may be available in the school or classroom library, and I do not request their removal. However, I am opting out of having these books recommended, promoted, or personally offered to my child by school personnel.
“Request for Alternative Assignment: When applicable, I request that the school provide my child with reasonable alternative work or assignments that align with the learning objectives without conflicting with our religious beliefs.
“Request for Advance Notice: When applicable, I request to receive advance notice each time my child will be removed from content or activities due to this opt-out request, particularly when the school’s response may involve removal from the classroom or an alternative assignment.”
Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty has also provided resources for school districts to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The teacher notification template helps teachers provide parents with advance notice when class instruction may involve controversial topics that may conflict with a family’s religious beliefs.
There is also a “ready-to-adopt policy” framework for school boards to ensure compliance with Mahmoud v. Taylor.
“As students head back to school, our new model policy and resources will empower parents to stand up for their rights and will equip school leaders to comply with new Supreme Court precedent,” said Cory Brewer, education counsel at the institute, in a release announcing the template. “Parents, not government officials, have the fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of their children, and that principle must be upheld in every school.”
