Freedom Updates
Advocates in Action
Press Release | U.S. Supreme Court Delivers Landmark Victory for Parental Rights and Religious Freedom in Public Schools Advocates for Faith & Freedom Releases Free Opt-Out Tool for Parents
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025
CONTACT: Nicole Velasco
NVELASCO@FAITH-FREEDOM.COM
Murrieta, CA— In a groundbreaking decision issued today in Mahmoud v. Taylor, the United States Supreme Court affirmed that parents have a constitutional right to receive advance notice and to opt their children out of exposure to LGBTQ+ themed books and curriculum. Advocates for Faith & Freedom applauds the Court’s protection of religious liberty, the family, and children.
In the 6-3 opinion, the Court emphasized that few religious acts are more sacred than a parent’s responsibility to educate their children according to their faith: “The practice of educating one’s children in one’s religious beliefs, like all religious acts and practices, receives a generous measure of protection from the Constitution.” (Slip op. at 20)
In response to this pivotal ruling, Advocates for Faith & Freedom has created a free, easy-to-use legal opt-out form that parents can submit to their child’s school. This resource allows parents to formally exercise their constitutional right to opt their child out of instruction, curriculum, or discussions related to gender identity, gender theory, sexual orientation, or any LGBTQ+-themed materials that conflict with their religious beliefs.
“Today’s decision is a victory for religious freedom and the rights of parents. A parent should be treated by a school as a respected partner, not as someone to ignore or alienate from his/her own child’s education,” said Robert Tyler, President & Chief Counsel of Advocates for Faith & Freedom states. “The Supreme Court’s opinion sends a two-part message to schools across the country: 1) sincere religious beliefs cannot be ignored and 2) a parent has every right to know what is going on with his/her child at school.”
Advocates for Faith & Freedom Senior Counsel Julianne Fleischer adds, “Long ago, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the right of parents to direct the religious upbringing of their children. Today, the Supreme Court clarified that fundamental right would only be ‘an empty promise if it did not follow those children into the public classroom.’”
For too long, public schools have treated parental rights and the free exercise of religion as an “empty promise.” This is why Advocates for Faith & Freedom fights vigilantly to protect the rights that the First Amendment was meant to ensure.
Today does not mark the end of the issue. Public schools can be expected to try to limit the Supreme Court’s holding and will find new ways to assert its power and to indoctrinate children. Our work to preserve the rights of parents, children, and families will continue.
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Advocates for Faith & Freedom is a non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting constitutional and religious liberty in the courts. Our mission is to engage in cases that will uphold our religious liberty and America’s heritage and to educate Americans about our fundamental constitutional rights.
Press Release | Temecula Valley Unified School Board Takes Next Step In Fight Against Divisive Ideologies Following Court Ruling
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: wednesday, june 25, 2025
CONTACT: nicole velasco @
media@faith-freedom.COM
Murrieta, CA – Yesterday, the Temecula Valley Unified School District Board (Board) voted unanimously in closed session to rescind Resolution 2022-23/21 concerning Critical Race Theory (CRT). This decision follows recent guidance from the California Court of Appeal.
While we respectfully disagree with the Court of Appeal’s ruling, it does provide a framework for the District to move forward. The Board has requested Advocates for Faith & Freedom assist its CRT subcommittee in drafting a new resolution or policy that complies with the law while also staying true to the community’s values. We commend the Board for its continued commitment to ensuring that students are taught in an environment free from racism, discrimination, and ideological indoctrination.
Advocates for Faith & Freedom is honored to assist the Board in crafting a lawful policy that affirms a timeless and self-evident truth — that “all men are created equal.” Our goal remains steadfast: to help the District adopt policies that promote mutual respect, equal treatment, and the fundamental dignity of every student, regardless of race or background.
This is not a retreat but a recalibration. We will continue working with the Board to ensure that future policies reject divisive ideologies and instead foster unity, respect, and equality for all.
The court filings, prior media, and photographs may be found here: School District Sued for Restriction on CRT — Advocates For Faith & Freedom (faith-freedom.com)
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Press Release | Calvary Chapel San Jose Urges California Supreme Court to Reverse Unjust $1.2 Million Fine and Defend Religious Freedom
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025
CONTACT: Nicole Velasco
NVELASCO@FAITH-FREEDOM.COM
Murrieta, CA— In a pivotal case for religious liberty, Calvary Chapel San Jose and its senior pastor, Mike McClure, have petitioned the California Supreme Court to overturn a $1.2 million fine imposed for holding worship services during COVID-19 lockdowns—restrictions that courts have already deemed unconstitutional.
Filed by Advocates for Faith & Freedom, the Petition for Review urges the high court to resolve critical constitutional questions involving religious liberty, due process, and protection from excessive government punishment. At stake is not just justice for Calvary Chapel, but the broader freedom of churches across California to worship without fear of punishment.
“This case is about far more than a fine, it is about the condition of religious liberty in California,” said attorney Robert Tyler. “Calvary Chapel did what the Church has always been called to do: gather in worship, stand in faith, and care for one another in a time of fear and deep need.”
The Petition emphasizes that while Santa Clara County permitted secular exemptions, from construction sites to cigar lounges to nail salons, it singled out religious gatherings for punishment, in direct violation of the Free Exercise Clause.
Adding to the constitutional concerns, the Santa Clara County’s fines are based on a temporary restraining order that was later ruled unconstitutional. Still, the Court of Appeal upheld sanctions tied to that void order, threatening the rule of law and enabling government overreach.
A serious due process failure is also at stake. Santa Clara County claims it served Calvary Chapel with a notice of violation but offered no proof the Church ever received it. The lower court accepted this version without a trial, denying the Church its basic right to be heard.
Finally, the Petition argues the $1.2 million in fines is not only unjust, but unconstitutional. Under the Eighth Amendment, excessive fines are prohibited, especially when imposed on citizens exercising core First Amendment rights. Calvary Chapel acted in good faith, followed its calling, and saw no COVID-19 cases linked to its services. Yet Santa Clara County treated them like criminals.
“We answer first and foremost to God,” states Pastor Mike McClure. “When government commands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands, they have crossed a line our founders would have never permitted and our duty is clear. We gathered in obedience to Christ, and we will continue to stand firm in our allegiance to our Creator who is worthy of our praise. Our trust is not in the courts, but in the Lord who sees and judges righteously.”
The California Supreme Court is now being asked to take up the case to protect churches, uphold the Constitution, and ensure that no government can punish faith communities for fulfilling their sacred mission, especially in a time of crisis.
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Advocates for Faith & Freedom is a non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting constitutional and religious liberty in the courts. Our mission is to engage in cases that will uphold our religious liberty and America’s heritage and to educate Americans about our fundamental constitutional rights.