Senators Filed Brief Supporting Religious Homeschool Curricula
A group of 13 senators is asking the Supreme Court to allow religious materials in public home-based programs.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Homeschooling
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Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and 12 other U.S. Senators filed an amicus brief in the Woolard v. Thurmond Supreme Court case. The filing seeks to reverse a lower court decision that currently allows California to exclude religious curricula from publicly funded homeschooling programs.
Why it matters
This case directly impacts the range of educational materials available to families participating in publicly funded independent-study programs. The outcome could set a national precedent for whether religious liberty and parental choice include the right to use faith-based materials in government-supported home education.
A total of 13 U.S. Senators signed the amicus brief in this case, which contests a Ninth Circuit ruling that classified homeschooling parents in certain programs as state actors. The legal challenge focuses on whether public funds can support faith-based education in home settings.
The players
Cindy Hyde-Smith
A U.S. Senator representing Mississippi who is advocating for expanded parental rights in education.
Tedd Budd
A U.S. Senator who co-signed the amicus brief alongside Senator Hyde-Smith.
The details
The brief challenges a California policy that currently restricts the use of religious materials in publicly funded independent-study programs. It argues that parents should not be considered state actors and that government support for homeschooling should not constitutionally prohibit faith-based curriculum choices. The senators contend that these restrictions infringe upon the religious liberty and parental rights of families involved in these educational programs.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: Senator Hyde-Smith filed the amicus brief.
The Home Front
The filing reflects an ongoing debate over the boundaries of public funding and parental control in home-based education. It marks a significant escalation in the legal contest over whether state-funded independent-study programs must accommodate diverse faith-based curricula.
Families participating in independent-study or publicly funded home education should monitor potential changes to curriculum requirements. Consult with your local program administrator to review current rules regarding your specific learning materials.
The takeaway
The Supreme Court case could redefine the role of parents in publicly funded home education programs. Keep your program-related correspondence and educational receipts filed until the Court reaches a final decision on the case.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of Homeschooling regulations and policies nationwide.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MageeNews.
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