Colorado Bans Christian Preschools from State Universal Preschool Program

Colorado officials have mandated that Darren Patterson Christian Academy, a state-licensed Christian preschool in Buena Vista, must relinquish its religious beliefs and practices to participate in the state’s universal preschool program. The program, set to begin July 1, guarantees every four-year-old in Colorado at least 15 hours per week of state-funded preschool services. The school, which operates under the name “Busy Bees,” has been serving Chaffee County families since 1982 and accepts children of all backgrounds.

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood has required the school to hire employees who do not share its faith and to modify internal policies based on its religious beliefs about sexuality and gender. These policies include restroom usage, pronouns, dress codes, and student housing during field trips. The school’s religious character is central to its mission, influencing everything from education to hiring practices.

ADF attorneys representing the school argue that the state is violating the First Amendment by forcing the institution to abandon its beliefs to receive state funding. “The Constitution is clear: The government may not deny participation in a public program simply due to a school’s internal religious exercise,” said ADF Senior Counsel Jeremiah Galus. The school has been approved for the program but has raised concerns about the requirement to alter its policies.

The state has encouraged all licensed preschools, including Darren Patterson Christian Academy, to register for the program. The school is one of a few offering a Christian education in the region. Its religious beliefs guide its operations, yet the state’s rules prohibit discrimination based on religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity, effectively requiring the school to compromise its values.

This situation highlights the tension between religious freedom and state mandates. The school’s case underscores the broader debate over the role of faith in public education and the extent to which government programs can impose secular standards on religious institutions. The legal battle continues as the school seeks to protect its right to maintain its religious character while participating in the state’s preschool initiative.

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