Press Statement  AG Campbell Issues Statement On Supreme Court Decision In Mahmoud V. Taylor

BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued the following statement in response to today’s ruling of the Supreme Court of the United States in Mahmoud, et al. v. Taylor, et al., rejecting the discretion of public schools in Montgomery County, Maryland, to incorporate LGBTQ-inclusive books into their curricula without offering parents an opt-out option.

“I’m deeply disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision to undermine public schools’ long-standing authority – and obligation – to create inclusive curricula, which prepare our children to succeed in a diverse society. Requiring a parent opt-out for LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum not only sends a harmful message to LGBTQ+ students, who already face higher risks of bullying and discrimination, but also threatens other forms of inclusive education – including Black history and other culturally significant experiences that have shaped our shared democracy. I remain committed to defending inclusive education that teaches all students to respect one another, regardless of, and without interfering with, their respective beliefs,” said AG Campbell.    

In April 2025, AG Campbell co-led a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in the Supreme Court in support of the respondents, arguing that the use of curricula with LGBTQ-inclusive books without an opt-out option falls within public schools’ longstanding authority to foster safe learning environments and does not violate anyone’s right to freely exercise their religious beliefs.

In today’s decision, the Supreme Court reversed a previous ruling by the Fourth Circuit, which had affirmed a lower court’s decision to deny petitioning parents’ motion for a preliminary injunction requiring public schools in Montgomery County to permit parental opt-outs for LGBTQ-inclusive books in school curricula.  

ON BACKGROUND: 

• Since taking office in 2023, AG Campbell has continued to take action to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion and LGBTQ+ rights, including within education. 
• In celebration of Pride Month in June 2024, AG Campbell hosted a drag story hour to read LGBTQ-inclusive books to help foster inclusivity, empathy, and understanding for LGBTQ+ individuals, children, and families. 
• In June 2024, AG Campbell also released updated public accommodation guidance to affirm the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in public spaces. 
• In March 2025, AG Campbell co-led a coalition of 15 attorneys general in issuing multistate guidance to ensure K-12 schools, colleges, and universities understand the legality, viability, and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility policies and practices in education.  
• Throughout the current Trump Administration, AG Campbell has taken a multitude of actions to defend LGBTQ+ rights, including opposing changes to the passport application process that would harm transgender individuals, standing in support of transgender military members, and protecting access to gender affirming care. 
• In April 2025, AG Campbell joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration to stop the dismantling of three federal agencies that provide services and funding to support public libraries. AG Campbell and the coalition have secured a preliminary injunction to halt the dismantling of the agencies while the lawsuit proceeds.