Providence Classical Academy and The Dunham School, along with numerous other faith-based institutions in Louisiana, are taking a stand against what they perceive as discriminatory regulations imposed by the state. On October 20, 2025, these plaintiffs filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Cade Brumley, the Louisiana Superintendent of Education, and members of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The plaintiffs argue that Act 409 unfairly burdens religious schools with licensing requirements not applied to public or Montessori schools.
The heart of the case lies in Act 409, enacted by the Louisiana Legislature in 2025. This act imposes stringent licensing and regulatory mandates on nonpublic prekindergarten programs while exempting public and Montessori schools from such requirements. Providence Classical Academy and The Dunham School argue that these new mandates threaten their ability to provide affordable faith-based education. “Religious schools are no less safe or qualified than comparable public or Montessori programs,” they assert in their filing. They contend that this act violates both federal and state constitutional guarantees of religious liberty and equal protection.
The plaintiffs claim that Act 409 discriminates against religious institutions by imposing unfunded mandates that require costly compliance measures such as licensure, inspections, and operational changes. These measures could force religious schools to shut down their prekindergarten programs or pass on increased costs to families through higher tuition fees. Joshua and Claire Cox, who have enrolled their child at Providence Classical Academy for its faith-based education, emphasize how these additional costs could jeopardize their child’s access to religious schooling.
In seeking relief from the court, the plaintiffs request a judgment declaring Act 409 unconstitutional under both U.S. and Louisiana constitutions. They seek declaratory judgments affirming violations of free exercise rights under the First Amendment and equal protection rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. Additionally, they request preliminary and permanent injunctions preventing enforcement of Act 409’s early learning center licensure provisions against them.
Representing Providence Classical Academy is Royal Alexander from Royal Alexander Law Firm; The Dunham School is represented by David C. Fleshman and Carroll Devillier Jr. from Breazeale Sachse & Wilson LLP; Sarah Harbison from Pelican Center for Justice represents all plaintiffs alongside Daniel R. Suhr from Center for American Rights (Pro Hac Vice Motion Forthcoming). The case has been assigned Case ID: 5:25-cv-01574.
Source: 525cv01574_Providence_Classical_Academy_Inc_v_Cade_Brumley_Complaint_Western_District_Louisiana.pdf
