Supreme Court to Review Colorado's Exclusion of Catholic Preschools from Funding Program

The U.S. Supreme Court has granted certiorari in the case St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, according to a report from @zerohedge. The case addresses whether Colorado can exclude Catholic preschools from a state-funded universal preschool program based on their religious admissions and operational policies.

The Court issued an unsigned order earlier this week, with no dissents noted, and limited its review to two questions from the petitioners' November 2025 petition. Arguments in the case are expected during the Court's term beginning in October 2026.

In 2020, Colorado voters approved Proposition EE, which established dedicated funding for a voluntary universal preschool program, as reported by @zerohedge. The state's Early Childhood Act and related rules created the UPK program, providing free preschool hours to families through participating public, private, or faith-based providers.

The program initially offered 15 hours per week and aimed to expand access and choice for families. To receive taxpayer funds, participating preschools must agree to a nondiscrimination policy that ensures equal opportunity for enrollment and services regardless of race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, income, disability, or other protected characteristics.

The program includes some preferences for certain groups, such as children of color, low-income families, those with disabilities, gender-nonconforming children, or families identifying as LGBTQ+.

preschools operated by the Archdiocese of Denver, including St. Mary Catholic Preschool in Littleton and Wellspring Catholic Academy/St. Bernadette’s in Lakewood, incorporate religious formation into their education, according to @zerohedge. These schools require families to support or respect Catholic teachings on faith, morals, sexuality, and gender, including doctrines on biological sex, marriage, and gender identity.