Supreme Court to hear Catholic parish's challenge after Colorado barred schools from universal pre-K program

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Catholic parish's argument after Colorado excluded its schools from the state's program that pays for families to send their children to the preschool of their choice, public or private.

The oral arguments in the case of St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy are expected to take place this fall. The case could redefine how states balance anti-discrimination laws with religious freedom.

The Archdiocese of Denver, which oversees 34 Catholic preschools, argues that its schools are an extension of the church’s ministry. To maintain the integrity of their religious environment, the schools admit only families who support Catholic beliefs, including on sex and gender.

Colorado officials, however, maintain that the Universal Preschool Program is designed to be inclusive of all children, regardless of their background or their family’s identity. The state argues that while faith-based providers are welcome to participate in the program, they must follow the same rules as secular schools.

ALITO NOT EXPECTED TO RETIRE THIS TERM, COOLING SUPREME COURT VACANCY SPECULATION: SOURCES

The Archdiocese views the exclusion as a violation of its religious exercise, while the state views the parish's enrollment policies as a barrier to universal civil rights.

This is a developing news story; check back for updates.