Court Upholds School District’s Pronoun Policy in Divisive Ruling

Religious teacher’s appeal rejected, but Supreme Court may take up the issue

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a 2-1 decision, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a public school district can refuse to hire a K-12 teacher if she won’t use transgender pronouns, rejecting the teacher’s request for religious accommodation. The case of Kimberly Ann Polk, a former substitute teacher in Montgomery County, Maryland, has sparked debate over the balance between LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom in public schools.

Why it matters

This ruling highlights the ongoing tensions between policies aimed at supporting transgender students and the religious beliefs of some teachers. As similar disputes arise across the country, the Supreme Court may eventually need to weigh in and provide clarity on the boundaries between anti-discrimination measures and protected religious expression in public education.

The details

Kimberly Ann Polk was previously a substitute teacher in Montgomery County, Maryland, until the district enforced a policy requiring teachers to address students using the pronouns of their asserted gender identities. The policy also mandates that students must grant permission before teachers discuss gender issues with their parents. When Polk declined to affirm these policies during HR training, the district rejected her request for religious accommodation and declined to hire her.

  • The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued its 2-1 ruling in late January 2026.

The players

Kimberly Ann Polk

A former substitute teacher in Montgomery County, Maryland who was denied employment for refusing to use transgender pronouns based on her religious beliefs.

Montgomery County Public Schools

The school district in Maryland that enforced a policy requiring teachers to use students’ preferred pronouns and obtain permission before discussing gender issues with parents.

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

The federal appeals court that ruled 2-1 in favor of the school district’s policy, rejecting Polk’s request for religious accommodation.

J. Harvie Wilkinson III

The conservative judge on the Fourth Circuit who issued a rousing dissent in the 2-1 ruling.

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What they’re saying

“We must balance the competing interests of LGBTQ+ students’ rights and the religious freedom of teachers. This is a complex issue that may require Supreme Court intervention.”

— Legal Analyst (WSJ Opinion)

What’s next

The Supreme Court may eventually need to take up this issue and provide nationwide guidance on the boundaries between anti-discrimination policies and protected religious expression in public schools.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over how to reconcile LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom in public education. As similar disputes arise across the country, the legal boundaries around these competing interests remain unclear, potentially requiring Supreme Court intervention to establish a national standard.