Parents to WI Supreme Court: Schools can’t exclude us from children’s health decisions

WHO: Attorneys with Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty and Alliance Defending Freedom

WHAT: Available for media interviews following oral arguments in Doe v. Madison Metropolitan School District

WHEN: Immediately following hearing, which begins at 11 a.m. CDT, Tuesday, May 24

WHERE: Wisconsin Supreme Court, 16 East State Capitol, Madison; an audio livestream will be available. To schedule an interview, contact ADF Media Relations Manager Ellie Wittman at (202) 503-7984.

MADISON, Wis. – Attorneys with Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty and Alliance Defending Freedom representing a group of parents challenging a Madison Metropolitan School District policy will be available for media interviews Tuesday following oral arguments at the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Lead counsel from WILL, together with ADF attorneys, filed the lawsuit Doe v. Madison Metropolitan School District in February 2020, representing multiple families at the school district in challenging the policy, which violates constitutionally protected parental rights. The policy instructs district employees to assist children of any age, upon their request, to adopt an identity at odds with the child’s biological sex without notice to or consent from parents, and to conceal from parents the fact that school personnel are doing this unless the child “consents” to the parents being told.

“The central question in this case is who can make major decisions for a child? WILL and ADF stand with parents who have a constitutional right to direct the upbringing of their child,” said WILL Deputy Counsel Luke Berg, who will argue before the court on behalf of the parents. “Schools have no authority to usurp this right, nor can they conspire to hide critical information from parents.”

“Parents—not school boards—have the fundamental right to direct the upbringing, care, and education of children,” said ADF Senior Counsel Roger Brooks. “It is essential that teachers inform parents if their child struggles with any type of mental or physical condition at school so they can make the best, informed decisions to protect the child’s health and wellbeing. The Wisconsin Supreme Court must protect every parent’s right to parent.”

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.

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