Note: We recorded this episode before we learned about the decision in the St. Isidore case.
religious beliefs being weaponized to reshape public education? In this episode, Rachel Laser—CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State—joins hosts Will and Josh to unpack two major Supreme Court cases: Mahmoud v. Taylor and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond. Both cases carry huge implications for the future of religious freedom, public schooling, and church-state separation.
Laser explains how one case centers on parents trying to opt out of LGBTQ-inclusive books, while the other could open the floodgates for religious public charter schools funded by taxpayer dollars. Drawing from legal expertise and personal faith, Laser offers a bold and nuanced defense of pluralism, public education, and constitutional integrity. With the stakes this high, these rulings could redefine what it means to be an American student—or a person of faith.
👤 Guest Bio
Rachel Laser is the President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. A lawyer, strategist, and advocate, Laser previously served as deputy director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. She is a frequent commentator on First Amendment issues and a national voice defending the integrity of church-state separation.
🔗 Resource Links
Americans United for Separation of Church and State: https://www.au.org
Mahmoud v. Taylor: https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/mahmoud-v-taylor/
Split Supreme Court blocks first religious charter school in Oklahoma: https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/05/split-supreme-court-blocks-first-religious-charter-school-in-oklahoma/
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