Counties in Maryland law allow public school children in grades 6^th through 12^th to vote for a student member of the county school board with actual voting power. In fact, it was the child member who helped decide to stop schools from reopening. 

Yet, Howard County does not give the right to vote to students who attend Catholic schools. Our federal lawsuit says the child voting law violates these students’ First Amendment rights who attend religious schools.

Additionally, with the creation of the student member elected solely by public students, the Board has given students greater representation than other eligible adult voters, violating the 14^th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. 

Our lawsuit is heading to the federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals for oral arguments in December. PILF President, J, Christian Adams joined WMAL’s Larry O’Connor to break down the case.