Montgomery County Board of Education to pay $1.5M after Supreme Court rulling

February 20, 2026 - 23:55

A Maryland judge has mandated the Montgomery County Board of Education to pay $1.5 million in legal fees. This order, issued on Friday, directly results from a recent Supreme Court ruling on a significant religious liberty case.

The financial penalty stems from a lengthy legal dispute involving the school board and a local religious organization. The conflict centered on the board's policy regarding the use of public school facilities by outside groups. The Supreme Court found that the board's previous rules unfairly discriminated against religious organizations seeking equal access.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs confirmed the judge's directive, which requires the payment to cover the substantial legal costs incurred during the multi-year court battle. The ruling underscores the legal and financial consequences for public institutions that enact policies found to violate constitutional protections.

This case is being closely watched by educational and legal experts across the country, as it touches on the ongoing national debate over the intersection of religious freedom and public resources. The substantial award highlights the potential repercussions for other school districts navigating similar complex First Amendment issues. The board has not yet indicated if it will pursue any further appeals regarding the financial judgment.