California Father Says Charter School Rejected Faith-Based Homeschooling Materials

A California father of five has stated that his public charter school program rejected homeschooling materials that mentioned God or faith, even when those materials met state academic standards. John Woolard told Fox News Digital that his family's ability to customize their children's education through the charter school program was compromised by these rejections, leading them to pay for educational resources themselves.

Woolard described what he believes is a "publisher blacklist" affecting curriculum choices. He stated that the rejections extended beyond explicitly Christian instructional materials, impacting even books that discussed the religious beliefs of America's Founding Fathers. He noted that school officials confirmed the religious component was the basis for the curriculum denial, despite the materials meeting academic and state standards.

"What that tells me is that equality only extends as far as what the government approves," Woolard said.

Stephanie Taub, senior counsel with First Liberty Institute, which is representing the Woolard family, characterized the school's actions as discriminatory. "What we're asking here is California has a policy that singles out parents who want to give their children a faith-based education, and it excludes them from homeschooling benefits that would otherwise be available," Taub told Fox News Digital.

The family is pursuing a legal challenge, with Taub indicating they have sought Supreme Court intervention after an unfavorable lower court ruling. Taub mentioned that the Supreme Court is currently considering whether to hear the case, with a decision expected in the coming months.

A spokesperson for the California Department of Education stated that the department cannot comment on pending litigation.