This week, we’re starting the newsletter with some of America’s ongoing education battles. First up, the Supreme Court rejected a challenge to a Wisconsin school district’s policy to assist students in gender transitioning without parental consent.

But three justices said they would have granted a review of the case. Here’s the intriguing dissent offered by two of them. Plus, columnist Billy Hallowell explains why the high court’s move “should terrify American parents.”

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Other education stories that matter

A New York eighth-grader claimed victory in a religious freedom dispute after initially being denied the right to form a Bible club at his public school. Elijah Nelson’s battle quickly became an important religious freedom story. Here’s what unfolded.

Similar fights are unfolding across the U.S. For instance, a group of Christian parents and schools on Monday filed a lawsuit over a Minnesota law that excludes faith-based colleges from a state program that helps high school juniors and seniors earn free college credits.

“We raise our children to put their faith at the center of everything they do,” parents Melinda and Mark Loe said, according to a press release from Becket, the religious liberty outfit representing the families. Here’s more about why they’re taking action.

And there’s a first-of-its-kind rating system designed to evaluate the pervasiveness of anti-Israel sentiment at more than 700 colleges and universities. Here’s what the data found.

On the transgender front

The Golden Globes are under fire after nominating a male-born performer who identifies as female for best actress. Some are lamenting how biological males are usurping honors intended for women. Here are the details.

Rep. Nancy Mace — a South Carolina Republican who has been outspoken about defending biological females — said Tuesday that she was assaulted over her stand on transgender issues and that the attacker has been arrested.

“I was physically accosted at the Capitol tonight by a pro-tr*ns man,” she wrote on X. “One new brace for my wrist and some ice for my arm and it’ll heal just fine.” The details are here.

And to conclude this issue, it seems a compromise defense bill’s inclusion of “gender dysphoria” treatment for minors could be a barrier to its passage. Here’s what’s going on.

Other important faith headlines

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a lifelong Catholic and former speaker of the House, just rebuked Pope Francis. Her critique involves China’s Communist leadership and a Vatican decision she’s questioning. Read the details here.

The grim reality in Ukraine has not faded in almost three years of war, but Dave Donaldson says there is reason for hope. His ministry, CityServe, has been on the ground in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, providing resources and encouragement to the Ukrainian people and Ukrainian church. He joins Mr. Hallowell to explain what he has witnessed.

In our opinion

As always, the opinion pages are filled was thought-provoking content:

• Jason Jimenez says: “Syria is in crisis and the world can’t look away.”
• John and Nisha Whitehead ask: “Is the Constitution becoming optional?”
• Jim Daly believes kids are the “new casualties of the cultural revolution” — here’s why.
• Everett Piper responds to a question about evil in America in this week’s “Ask Dr. E” column.
• Finally, Donna Amidon offers some reflections on Jesus, Christmas and the Advent season.