We have some great news to share: In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Carson v. Makin that the state of Maine cannot exclude students who attend religious schools from a government program in which they are otherwise qualified.  As you may recall, Maine had prohibited families from using funds from a state tuition program—designed for students who don’t have access to a local public school—at private religious schools that incorporated faith perspectives in their curriculum. The Supreme Court’s decision built upon its previous rulings in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue and Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer, the latter being a case in which ADF attorneys successfully argued before the high court that a state may not discriminate against a religious school in awarding grants to improve playground safety. Here are some highlights from the opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts:  

  • “Justice Breyer stresses [in his dissenting opinion] the importance of “government neutrality” when it comes to religious matters…but there is nothing neutral about Maine’s program. The State pays tuition for certain students at private schools—so long as the schools are not religious. That is discrimination against religion.”
  • “Saying that Maine offers a benefit limited to private secular education is just another way of saying that Maine does not extend tuition assistance payments to parents who choose to educate their children at religious schools.”

If a state offers a public benefit, whether it’s tuition assistance or playground surfaces, it cannot exclude an eligible organization simply because of its status as a religious organization or the religious use it intends with the funds it receives. That’s blatant, unconstitutional religious discrimination. We’re praising God for this ruling and the implications it could have on other similar cases ADF is litigating where government officials are discriminating against religious schools. Thank you to all who not only followed this case but lifted it up in prayer. This is a great victory for students, their parents, religious freedom, and school choice! Please stay tuned for our forthcoming Supreme Court Insights resource further analyzing the ruling in this case.

How to Pray:

  • Pray that the U.S. Supreme Court would continue to seek God’s guidance in making decisions.
  • Pray for the children attending religious schools across the country who are still being excluded from government programs.
  • Pray for teachers to have wisdom in their classrooms and to care for their students well.
  • Pray for more victories at the governmental level for believers and that all glory would be given to God.