Summary
This project initiates litigation against the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and Grosse Pointe School District (GPSD) to enforce the parental right to opt-out their children from curriculum deemed objectionable, based on the precedent set by the US Supreme Court in Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025). This action is crucial to uphold constitutional parental rights, ensure local control in education, and secure a judicial remedy for the alleged violation of established legal standards by the MDE and GPSD in denying parental opt-out requests.
Key Arguments Supporting this Lawsuit:
Legal Benefits:
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Enforcement of Supreme Court Precedent: The lawsuit directly enforces the mandate of Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), establishing a clear judicial remedy for violations of parental opt-out rights
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Establishment of a Local Standard: A successful ruling against GPSD and MDE will set a precedent for other school districts in Michigan regarding the lawful implementation of parental opt-out policies.
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Protection of Vested Parental Rights: Secures the constitutional rights of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children, ensuring the curriculum respects deeply held beliefs and values
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Accountability of Government Bodies: Holds the Michigan Department of Education and Grosse Pointe School District accountable for policies and actions that allegedly violate the US Constitution and established federal case law.
Educational and Community Benefits:
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Increased Parental Engagement: Acknowledging the right to opt-out fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging parents to remain engaged and invested in their children's education.
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Respect for Diverse Beliefs: Ensures that a public education system respects the religious, moral, and philosophical diversity of the community it serves
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Improved Student Outcomes (Long-Term): Addressing parental concerns can lead to a more focused and supportive learning environment for students whose families feel their values are respected by the school system
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Community Cohesion: Resolving the dispute through legal clarity reduces ongoing friction and conflict between the school administration, the MDE, and the parent community
Overview
Reason to Invest:
Investing in this litigation is a strategic effort that will have a transformative impact on parental rights and education policy across Michigan. Here are compelling reasons why such advocacy is a worthwhile investment:
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Protecting Constitutional Rights and Preventing Future Litigation Costs:
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Safeguarding Foundational Liberties: Funding this case directly defends the fundamental right of parents to guide their child's education, preventing the erosion of liberties affirmed by the Supreme Court
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Mitigating Future Conflicts: A successful, clear ruling will clarify the MDE and GPSD's obligations, thereby preventing numerous individual lawsuits and administrative disputes over opt-out rights in the futu.
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Setting Legal Precedent: This case is the vehicle to operationalize the abstract legal principle from Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025) into enforceable, tangible policy within Michigan
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Driving Policy Change and Systemic Reform:
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Influencing Legislation: A favorable court decision will likely compel the Michigan State Legislature and State Board of Education to review and revise statutes and regulations to conform with the US Supreme Court ruling
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Promoting Transparency: The legal discovery process will bring greater public transparency to the GPSD and MDE's decision-making regarding curriculum adoption and opt-out procedures
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Ensuring Intergenerational Equity: This effort ensures that future generations of Michigan parents will inherit a legal and educational landscape where their rights to direct their children's learning are secured and respected
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Empowering Communities and Fostering Civic Engagement:
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Giving a Voice to Parents: The lawsuit serves as a powerful mechanism for parents who have been denied their legal rights to hold powerful governmental entities accountable
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Building a Coalition: The litigation effort will rally diverse groups of parents and concerned citizens, fostering community cohesion and collective action on education reform
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Team
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Gregory M. Erickson
Contact Me: (612) 979-9791
Education University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota J.D. - 1997 Honors: cum laude Miami University, Oxford, Ohio B.A. - 1993 Honors: Cum Laude Major: Political History Science Bar Admissions Minnesota Wisconsin United States Supreme Court U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois Representative Cases Advanced Communication Design v. Follett, 615 N.W. 2d 285, 2000 Pergament v. Loring Properties, Ltd., 599 N.W.2d 146, 1999 Digital Resources LLC v. James Loestetter, et. al., 246 B.R. 357, 2000 Past Positions Rider Bennett, LLP, Partner Professional Associations Minnesota Bar Association, Member Hennepin County Bar Association, Member American Bar Association, Member Certified Legal Specialties M.S.B.A. Board Certified Real Estate Specialist
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Elizabeth Nielsen
Contact Me: (612) 979-9791
Education University of Illinois College of Law, Illinois J.D. - 2022 Honors: magna cum laude Honors: Rickert Award for Excellence in Advocacy Honors: Paul M. Lisnek Award for Excellence and Ethics in Trial Advocacy Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois B.A. - 2014 Honors: summa cum laude Honors: Chancellor’s Scholar Major: Political Science Major: Theater Minor: French Bar Admissions Minnesota Michigan Pennsylvania U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit U.S. District Court District of Minnesota U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan
Erick G. Kaardal
Contact Me: (612)-341-1074
Education University of Chicago Law School, Chicago, Illinois J.D. - 1992 Harvard College Honors: magna cum laude Honors: U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship Major: Economics Bar Admissions Minnesota Wisconsin U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals Federal Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit U.S. District Court District of Minnesota U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois U.S. District Court Northern District of Iowa U.S. District Court District of Idaho U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan U.S. District Court Western District of Pennsylvania U.S. Court of Federal Claims U.S. Tax Court Representative Cases Republican Party of Minnesota v. White (U.S. Supreme Court victory 5-4), 2002 Minnesota Voters Alliance v. Mansky (U.S. Supreme Court victory 7-2), 2018 Honors Outstanding Contribution to the Cause of Liberty, Institute for Justice Minnesota Lawyer, Lawyer of the Year, 2018 Life Legal Defense Foundation "Defender of Life" Award Winner – 2021 Pro-Bono Activities Republican Party of Minnesota, Past Secretary/Treasurer John Adams Society, Past Chairman Minnesota Chapter of the Federalist Society, Advisory Board Member Past Positions Mohrman, Kaardal & Erickson, PA - since January 1, 2000 Trimble & Associates, Ltd., Associate Attorney, 1994-1999 Faegre & Benson, Associate Attorney, 1992-1994 U.S. Army Reserves, Minnesota and Illinois National Guard, Field Artillery Officer, Captain (retired)
About
Project Pitch :
"We're raising funds to legally challenge the Columbia wind turbine proposal project, which poses a direct threat to property values and environmental integrity in our region. Our plan is sound, our community is united, and with your support, we can prevent this damaging development."
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"There's a critical window right now to stop the Columbia wind turbine proposal – a poorly sited project facing mounting opposition. We've identified key legal vulnerabilities and have a highly experienced team ready to act. Investing with us isn't just about stopping this one project; it's about setting a crucial precedent against ill-conceived industrial developments that threaten property, environment, and community health. We can win this."
Organization Information:
Milestones
Milestone 1: Initial Complaint Filing
Drafting and filing the complaint in the appropriate Federal District Court; serving MDE and GPSD.
Monetary Hurdle: $50,000
Milestone 2: Discovery and Motion Practice
Executing comprehensive discovery (interrogatories, document requests, depositions); defending and filing motions to establish legal standing and core facts.
Monetary Hurdle: $200,000
Milestone 3: Summary Judgment and Trial Preparation
Drafting and filing motion for Summary Judgment; preparing for oral arguments and, if necessary, full trial proceedings.
Monetary Hurdle: $250,000