DOJ updates religious liberty protections for parental rights and schools to reflect Supreme Court decisions

Published July 23, 2026 12:47pm ET | Updated July 23, 2026 12:47pm ET



The Justice Department on Thursday updated its federal religious liberty guidance to reflect recent Supreme Court rulings, expanding instructions for executive agencies on protecting religious expression, parental rights, and the autonomy of religious organizations.

The guidance revises a memorandum first issued by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Oct. 6, 2017, during President Donald Trump’s first term. The original directive, issued following a presidential executive order, outlined 20 foundational principles on religious liberty for federal executive departments and agencies.

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