California Father Sues Over Charter School Rejection of Faith-Based Books

John Woolard, a father of five in California, says his public charter school rejected educational materials simply because they mentioned God.

The dispute began when Woolard and his wife enrolled their children in a state-approved program that allowed them to homeschool using public funds. Initially, the process went smoothly. However, Woolard said the school began scrutinizing their curriculum choices for religious content. He described a pattern where any book referencing faith, even indirectly, was denied. Woolard called this a publisher blacklist. He noted that the restrictions extended beyond Christian texts. He even faced rejection for books analyzing the religious beliefs of America's Founding Fathers.

Woolard asked school officials why the materials were being turned down. He confirmed that the books met California academic standards and were rigorously vetted. According to Woolard, the only objection was the faith component. Both a teacher and the principal acknowledged that the religious nature of the books was the reason for the denial. This left the family paying for resources that other parents could access with public money. Woolard said this created a financial burden for his household of five.

The case moved to the courts after Woolard pressed for an explanation. An unfavorable lower-court decision led the family to appeal. Stephanie Taub, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, represents the family. She described the state policy as discriminatory against families wanting a faith-based education. Taub argued that California singles out these parents and excludes them from standard homeschooling benefits. The family is now asking the Supreme Court to intervene.

Taub said the Supreme Court is currently deciding whether to take the case. She expects a decision on whether the justices will review the matter in the coming months. Woolard hopes the court will order California to change its approach. He believes a ruling in their favor could open up the system for many other families. A spokesperson for the California Department of Education said the department cannot comment on pending litigation.