Thomas More Society’s Guidance on Adopting a Parental Rights Policy in Your School District

By Jack Rigert

Recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions have significantly strengthened the constitutional rights of parents within the public school system. Yet court rulings alone do not automatically change local school policies. Parents and school districts must now work together to ensure these principles are implemented in practice.

To assist in this effort, the Thomas More Society—a national public interest law firm dedicated to defending religious liberty, family, and parental rights—has released a practical guidance document titled:

“Every School District’s Present Need for a Parental Rights Policy: Legal Guidance for School Districts.”

This timely resource translates recent Supreme Court rulings into concrete policy recommendations that school districts can adopt immediately. It offers districts a roadmap for complying with constitutional requirements, respecting diverse family beliefs, strengthening trust between schools and parents, and reducing the risk of costly litigation.

Why This Guidance Matters Now

The Thomas More Society explains that many policies currently in effect in school districts across the country may no longer withstand constitutional scrutiny.

Policies that deny parental notice or opt-out opportunities for certain instructional materials, or that require schools to conceal information about a child’s social gender transition from parents, are now likely vulnerable to legal challenge under recent Supreme Court precedent.

In Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), the Supreme Court held that schools must provide notice and opt-out opportunities when instructional materials substantially interfere with parents’ ability to direct the religious upbringing of their children.

In Mirabelli v. Bonta (2026), the Court further reinforced that parents possess a fundamental right to receive information regarding significant matters affecting their child’s mental health, identity, and overall upbringing.

Rather than waiting for litigation, the Thomas More Society encourages school districts to proactively review and revise their policies in light of these decisions.

Key Recommendations from the Thomas More Society

The guidance offers two principal recommendations for every school district.

Recommendation One:

Adopt a Strong Parental Notice and Opt-Out Policy

District policies should include:

• Prominent and regular notice informing all parents of their constitutional rights to opt their children out of instruction, materials, electronic applications, library resources, or school activities that burden their religious beliefs or closely held convictions.
• Specific and timely notice whenever potentially sensitive content will be presented in the classroom.
• Reasonable advance time for parents to review materials and respond.
• A simple and accessible process allowing parents to request accommodations or opt-outs, even when content has not been specifically identified by the district.
• Clear procedures assigning responsibility to school personnel for implementing opt-outs and providing appropriate alternative instruction.
• A requirement that school employees promptly inform parents about information related to a child’s physical, emotional, or mental health.

Recommendation Two:

Repeal Policies That Exclude Parents

The Thomas More Society recommends that school districts immediately repeal or revoke policies that:

• Permit or require staff to conceal health or mental health information from parents.
• Facilitate a student’s social gender transition—including changes involving names, pronouns, bathrooms, locker rooms, or school activities—without parental knowledge or consent.

These recommendations establish a framework built upon transparency, trust, and respect for families while helping districts comply with constitutional requirements.

The Thomas More Society notes that these policy changes are practical, straightforward, and capable of being implemented promptly. The organization also advises districts to consult their own legal counsel regarding specific policy revisions.

Action Steps:

How Parents Can Present This Guidance to Their School Board

Parents are uniquely positioned to bring this resource before local school leaders. The following steps can help parents advocate effectively and professionally.

1. Download and Review the Official Document

Access the free guidance document directly from the Thomas More Society website by searching:

“Every School District’s Present Need for a Parental Rights Policy.”

Read the document carefully and become familiar with how it applies the principles established by Mahmoud and Mirabelli.

2. Prepare a Professional Information Packet

Create a concise packet for school board members that includes:

• A one-page summary of the recent Supreme Court decisions.
• A one-page summary of the Thomas More Society’s recommendations.
• A printed copy of the full guidance document.
• A brief cover letter explaining why adopting these policies benefits the district through legal compliance, reduced litigation risk, stronger parent-school partnerships, and greater transparency.

3. Request Time to Address the School Board

Visit your district’s website or contact the school board office to learn how to be placed on the agenda or participate during public comment.

Whenever possible, submit requests in writing at least one week in advance.

Prepare a calm, factual presentation lasting three to five minutes that focuses on constitutional principles and practical policy solutions.

4. Build Community Support

Share the guidance document with:

• Other parents.
• PTO or PTA organizations.
• Parish groups.
• Community organizations.
• Local parent networks and social media groups.

Consider circulating a respectful letter or petition requesting that the board review and adopt a parental rights policy.

5. Present Respectfully and Professionally

When attending school board meetings:

• Arrive early.
• Dress professionally.
• Speak respectfully.
• Focus on partnership rather than conflict.

A helpful message might be:

“We want our schools to be places where every family feels respected, informed, and included. These policies strengthen trust while ensuring compliance with constitutional standards.”

Emphasize that proactive policy reform can protect both families and the district from future legal disputes.

6. Follow Up in Writing

After the meeting, send a thank-you email to school board members and district administrators.

Attach the information packet and respectfully ask when the board expects to discuss or act upon a parental rights policy.

7. Stay Engaged and Document Everything

Continue attending meetings, monitoring policy developments, and maintaining records of all communications.

If concerns remain unresolved, parents may seek additional assistance from organizations such as the Thomas More Society or other parental rights and religious liberty organizations.

A Path Forward for Parents and School Districts

The Thomas More Society’s guidance transforms constitutional principles into practical action.

By working together, parents and school leaders can create policies that foster trust, transparency, and respect while ensuring compliance with the law.

Adopting a robust parental rights policy is not about creating conflict. It is about affirming a foundational truth: parents are the primary educators and guardians of their children.

As Saint John Paul II reminded us, “The future of humanity passes by way of the family.” Protecting parental rights safeguards not only individual families but the health of our communities and our nation.

Parents who take informed, respectful action at the local level are not simply advocating for their own children; they are helping preserve the fundamental freedoms upon which our country was founded.

Your Next Step Today

Download the Thomas More Society guidance document, review it with other concerned parents, and begin preparing a presentation for your local school board.

Meaningful change often begins with informed, respectful action at the local level.

Note: This is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance regarding specific circumstances, consult qualified legal counsel or contact the Thomas More Society directly.