Supreme Court denies religious school challenge to Kentucky's COVID-19 restrictions
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (right). Photo: Jon Cherry via Getty
The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to block Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s executive order halting in-person instruction at most K-12 schools, including religious schools, through the end of the year, noting that the order "effectively expires this week or shortly thereafter."
Why it matters: The decision follows several cases that examined whether state coronavirus restrictions affecting religious institutions, including places of worship violate, the First Amendment.
Background: Beshear, a Democrat, signed the executive order last month.
It required most Kentucky K-12 schools, including religious schools, to move to virtual classes until at least Jan. 4. Some elementary schools not in the state's hardest-hit counties were allowed to reopen earlier this month, provided they followed state guidelines.