A mother in Colorado claims her family was denied $12,000 in taxpayer-funded preschool benefits because they opted for a Catholic education. Erika Nagle, a mother of three, says the state’s actions result in discrimination against religious families. This controversy centers around Colorado’s universal preschool program, allegedly promoted as inclusive.
Nagle’s children attend St. Mary Catholic School in Littleton, Colorado. She told Fox News Digital that two of her children could not access the state’s preschool funding, imposing extra financial burdens on her family. ‘We are excluded because we are Catholic,’ Nagle stated. She argues the state, which advocates for inclusion, is deliberately excluding religious families based on their beliefs.
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St. Mary Catholic School, highlighted in the conflict, follows Colorado’s preschool program rules. The state’s participation requirements are viewed by Catholic schools as limitations on their religious beliefs and admissions policies. Becket, an organization representing Catholic interests, stated that Colorado launched the program in 2023, offering eligible families about $6,300 for 15 weekly preschool hours.
Nagle cites broader repercussions beyond financial impact. ‘Two preschools in the archdiocese have shut down,’ she remarked, attributing it to declining Catholic school enrollment and pressure on families to forsake desired religious education.
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The program, according to Nagle, attempts to lure families away from their faith by incentivizing non-religious schooling. She explained that many schools prioritize admissions based on the community they serve, including neighborhood children or those with special needs. St. Mary prioritizes Catholic families but also welcomes those respecting its teachings. Nagle questioned why such admissions policies should face different treatment.
The state provides $6,000 annually for preschool use, yet Catholics must shoulder additional costs for choosing Catholic schools. This situation affects thousands of Coloradans, forcing them to absorb higher education expenses. The ongoing legal case highlights the debate over religious schools’ participation in publicly funded programs while retaining faith-based admissions.
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Nagle argues Colorado should not compel Catholic families to abandon their educational preferences. Other schools enjoy exemptions for admissions criteria, but Catholics encounter restrictions. She questioned whether this was intentional, aimed at diminishing faith-based education.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood has refrained from commenting due to ongoing litigation. Fox News Digital sought a statement from Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ office, but no response was received.
Rachel del Guidice, a culture reporter for Fox News, covers the interplay of politics, faith, family, and American culture.
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