politics
Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Colorado's Rules for Religious Preschools in State Program
The Supreme Court will consider St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy next term to decide if Colorado can bar Catholic preschools from its universal preschool program. The Archdiocese of Denver and the schools argue the exclusion violates their First Amendment rights.
Jul 16, 5:00 AM·1m read1 source
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The Supreme Court will hear St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy in its upcoming term to determine whether Colorado can exclude Catholic preschools from its universal preschool program, Washington Examiner reported.
The Archdiocese of Denver and a group of Catholic preschools brought the case after the state denied their participation. Colorado required the preschools to accept all families, including those who do not share Catholic beliefs. The plaintiffs contend this condition violates their First Amendment rights.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty is representing the coalition. Nick Reaves, senior counsel at the Becket Fund, said a ruling for Colorado could deprive families of religious education options in public programs. Sydney Altfield, CEO of the Teach Coalition, which supports Jewish schools, said the outcome could affect security grants for religious institutions.
She stated that religious groups should not have to surrender their beliefs to receive government funding. The Supreme Court has not scheduled oral arguments, which could begin as early as October. A decision is expected by the end of June 2027 at the latest.
The court issued a 2025 ruling allowing parents to opt children out of certain school materials.
