Can Catholic Preschools Join Colorado's Program?

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy on Nov. 3, according to OSV News, published by The Dialog. The case asks whether Catholic preschools can participate in Colorado’s universal preschool program.

OSV News reports that the program provides parents with up to about $6,000 for a preschool of their choice. Options include public, private and faith-based schools. ReligiousLiberty.TV reports that schools restricting admission based on sexual orientation or gender identity cannot receive the state subsidies.

Mark Rienzi, president and CEO of Becket, the law firm representing the preschools, told OSV News that the schools welcomed the idea of giving parents more choices. He said the dispute arose because Colorado’s rules exclude schools that follow Catholic teachings on sex and marriage.

Colorado argues that its nondiscrimination standard applies equally to all providers and does not exclude schools because of their religious identity, ReligiousLiberty.TV reports. According to OSV News, the rule covers the sexual orientation and gender identity of both children and their families.

James 1:5 gives us a place to begin as we pray for wisdom in this religious-liberty dispute. Lord, grant the justices wisdom as they consider the case, and guide the families, schools and officials affected by their decision.

Read James 1:5