[May 19, 2025] Southeastern Legal Foundation (SLF) recently filed an amicus brief with other organizations in support of January Littlejohn. Littlejohn is currently fighting Leon County Public School District in Florida after it unlawfully and secretly transitioned her daughter’s gender at school without her knowledge or consent.
Littlejohn and her husband sued the school district in federal court for violating their parental rights but the courts claim that the actions of the school district do not violate their rights because they did not “shock the conscience.” All of this was done in accordance with the school district’s LGBTQ+ support guide, which actively encourages the keeping of sensitive information from parents or guardians. The district argues that giving parents information regarding their children’s gender identity could be dangerous to the child’s mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
SLF argues in their amicus brief that not only does the district have zero evidence to support this, but their policy is an absolute affront to parental rights, the Constitution, and common sense. The question arises, ‘if this does not shock the conscience, then what will?’ The policy of the school district is an assault on the fundamental rights of parents to raise their children how they see fit. It is vital that the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals hear this case to ensure that this sort of sinister behavior does not continue in schools.
SLF states, “These actions of the school, an arm of the state, violate parents’ fundamental, constitutionally recognized right to direct the upbringing of their children. The district court’s dismissal of the appellants’ claims and the panel’s decision upholding that ruling have denied the Littlejohns the opportunity to have their fundamental rights vindicated.”
SLF argues, “The Guidance’s utter disregard for the authority of parents is inconsistent with the most basic moral norms upon which our society is based. Unless school officials are prepared to make a claim that a child is being abused as defined by law, they have no right to insert themselves between parents and their children. The actions of Leon County Schools officials in this case directly conflict with one of the most ancient liberties of parents: to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children.”