RALLY FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
AT THE SUPREME COURT
On April 22, 2025, Live In Your Truth, The Coalition for Inclusive Schools & Communities, and The Montgomery County Pride Family came together with a powerful coalition of advocates to host the Rally for Inclusive Education outside the U.S. Supreme Court.
This landmark gathering took place as the Court heard arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor—a pivotal case challenging the erosion of inclusive, identity-affirming education in American public schools. Educators, students, civil rights leaders, artists, families, and faith communities joined forces to call for classrooms rooted in truth, equity, and dignity.
“Inclusive education isn’t just a value—it’s a necessity,” said Phillip Alexander Downie, Co-Chair of the Coalition for Inclusive Schools and CEO of Montgomery County Pride Family.
The rally uplifted voices through powerful speeches, live performances, and messages of unity, celebrating the right of every child to be seen, respected, and affirmed in their learning environments.
📚 About Mahmoud v. Taylor
At the heart of the Mahmoud v. Taylor case is the right of students to access inclusive curricula that reflect diverse identities and lived experiences. This case has national implications for how race, gender, sexuality, and history are taught—and who gets to be included.
For live updates and court developments, visit:
👉 ACLU Case Page – Mahmoud v. Taylor
✊🏾 How You Can Support
This movement doesn’t end with the rally. Help us continue the fight for educational equity by contributing to our organizing efforts:
👉 Donate & Take Action
🤝 Thank You to Our Co-Sponsors
We are grateful to the dozens of local and national organizations who co-sponsored and stood in solidarity. Together, we are building a future where every child learns in an environment of truth, representation, and belonging.
The Coalition for Inclusive Schools & Communities
Live In Your Truth
MoCo Pride Center
Trans Maryland
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
National Women's Law Center
Authors Against Book Bans
Poolesville Pride
SEAT (Students Engaged in Advancing Texas)
First Conversations
Advocates for Trans Equality
PEN America
PFLAG
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Temple Emanuel of Kensington MD
National Council of Jewish Women
National Black Justice Collective
BLAQ Equity Baltimore
Interfaith Alliance
Advance Maryland
Drag Story Hour DMV
Drag Story Hour National
Rainbow Defense Coalition
Kind Cotton
To get involved or co-sponsor future events, email: robyn@liveinyourtruth.org
Around the country, from April through June, supporters of the right to read are invited to host echo story time events. These can raise awareness of this case, support and celebrate inclusive books, offer children and families a safe and joyful space to gather, and inspire action!
MORE ON
ECHO EVENTS
While our communities are protesting outside the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., you can participate in celebrating the freedom to read in your hometown by hosting an echo event. Echo events are a way to inform your community about the importance of the Mahmoud v. Taylor case, educate them about the quality, age-appropriateness, and importance of inclusive books that represent all families, and offer ideas on how to take action to foster welcoming learning environments.
These events can take many forms such as partnering with a local library or bookshop to host a Drag Story Hour, reading inclusive books during a book club meeting, or more!
Events might include some or all of the nine LGBTQIA+ picture books named in the case, along with child-centered activities. Event ideas might include…
Drag Story Hours: Drag storytellers bring extra fun, sparkle, and even bubbles!
Dress-ups: Hosts can invite children to dress up or provide costumes and accessories. Playfulness opens children to imagination, inclusiveness, and joy!
Possible Event Structures:
Book Sampler Structure: One option is to share the opening or a teaser for some or all of the books. Ending with suspense or a question can spark interest in the whole book.
Combination: Full Readings + Book Talks: Another option is to select a few books to read completely. The host might share book talks on the other books between readings.
Book events can…
Inform people about Mahmoud v. Taylor and the possible implications.
Delight children with joyful, affirming story times.
Offer a safe space for people to gather and connect with a supportive community.
Educate the public about the quality, age-appropriateness, and importance of these books for all children.
Rally people to defend reading freedom in concrete ways.
Support educators and librarians who use inclusive books. Support will become especially crucial if the Supreme Court adds extra barriers for using diverse books.
Thank you for your interest in hosting an event to defend the right to read in public schools! The toolkit below offers an overview of the Mahmoud v. Taylor Supreme Court case, more event ideas, an activity packet, hashtags for events responding to this case, considerations for accessibility and security, and ways to take further action.
Every student deserves to see themselves reflected in the classroom. This case is about truth, equity, and the right of all young people — across race, gender, ability, and identity — to thrive. Thank you for joining us as we gather in joy, resistance, and community power!