Week in Review: It’s Not a Secret.

In a major win for parental rights and government transparency, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court delivered a final blow to a public school district’s attempt to hide taxpayer-funded DEI materials from public view.

With the help of the Goldwater Institute’s American Freedom Network, Ann Trethewey, a mother of three, spent nearly two years fighting for access to the Downingtown Area School District’s “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” training documents, only to be told that the information was a “trade secret.” But now that argument has been definitively rejected.

In declining to hear the district’s final appeal, the state’s highest court allowed a lower court ruling to stand: public schools cannot claim “trade secret” protection to shield ideological programming from parents. That precedent now binds school districts across Pennsylvania and sends a message nationwide. Parents have a right to know what’s being taught in the classroom, and the Goldwater Institute stands ready to defend that right.

Read more.

In the Headlines: Goldwater Stands up for Indiana Mom

Nicole Graves, a mom in Whitley County, Indiana, was doing what any good mother would: protecting her daughter and holding her school accountable. But when she recorded a conversation with her daughter’s principal and posted it online, the school district banned her from school property.

But the policy—and the punishment—crossed a constitutional line, and the Goldwater Institute is coming to Nicole’s defense, as reported this week in the Indianapolis Star.

In a letter sent to district officials, Goldwater argues that recording is a form of protected expressive conduct under the First Amendment and that parents cannot be punished for documenting their interactions with government actors. “We’re very hopeful that the school district will simply just change the recording policy,” said Adam Shelton, an attorney for the Goldwater Institute. “However, we are still open to litigation depending on how the conversation with the school district continues to go.”

Read more in the Indianapolis Star.

Celebrate Liberty: Goldwater Freedom Gala 2025 Featuring Gov. Youngkin

You’re invited! On October 17, the Goldwater Institute will hold its 2025 Freedom Gala at the Arizona Biltmore, bringing together champions of liberty from across the country for a night of celebration, purpose, and inspiration. Come celebrate with us as we honor the victories we’ve secured over the past year.

We’re thrilled to welcome Governor Glenn Youngkin as our keynote speaker. As the 74th Governor of Virginia, Governor Youngkin has become a national leader for commonsense governance, parental rights, and principled leadership. His message is one you won’t want to miss!

Enjoy a thought-provoking evening, connect with fellow freedom advocates, and stand with Goldwater as we continue to empower all Americans to live freer, happier lives.

Reserve your seat here.