Court: United States Supreme Court, No. 26-8
Case Status: Ongoing, Petition for Writ of Certiorari
Center Involvement: Amicus Curiae Brief
Date of Filing: July 31, 2026

The Robertson Center filed a cert stage amicus brief in Polk v. Montgomery County Public Schools. The case involves a Montgomery County, Maryland Board of Education policy requiring all teachers to (1) affirm they will use pronouns that match students’ selected gender identity and (2) promise to keep information about students’ transgender status a secret from their parents. Kimberly Polk, a Christian teacher sought an accommodation—she could not comply with either requirement because, of her religious beliefs about gender and sexuality. After the school board denied her request, Polk filed suit and moved for a preliminary injunction, arguing that the Board’s denial violated her Free Exercise and Free Speech rights. The lower courts dismissed her claims. The Center’s brief focuses on the Free Exercise Clause issue and argues that the Supreme Court’s decision in Employment Div. v. Smith was wrong and is causing extensive damage to religious liberty rights.

Court Filings:
26-8 Amicus Brief