CEC Condemns Mahmoud v. Taylor SCOTUS Ruling

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement after the Supreme Court issued their ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor:

“As a former teacher, I am appalled by the Supreme Court’s decision to create a nationwide right for parents to opt-out students from lessons and readings of books with LGBTQI+ characters,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “Having grown up in the closet myself, I know how impactful it would have been to see myself reflected in my school’s curriculum. This ruling will negatively impact students’ abilities to develop their senses of empathy and understanding for those who are different, sends a message to LGBTQI+ students that they don’t belong, and opens the door to increased censorship of LGBTQI+ content in schools across our nation. Despite this ruling, we all must push to ensure our classrooms are welcoming and inclusive of all students, including LGBTQI+ students.”