Three Orthodox Jewish families in California are taking legal action against the state, arguing that a discriminatory law deprives religious families with disabled children of the same educational funding available to nonreligious families.

The case, Loffman v. California Department of Education, centers on a state law that provides funding for disabled children in secular families to attend public or private schools of their choice. However, this funding is denied to religious families if they wish to enroll their children in religious schools.

The families, along with two Jewish schools, are represented by the law firm Becket, known for handling religious freedom cases. They argue that being denied access to funding prevents them from fulfilling their religious obligation to educate their children in the Jewish tradition.

A mother testified that her son with disabilities couldn't receive the same Jewish education as her other children due to this restriction.

The current California law categorically excludes private religious schools from the reimbursement program, while secular private schools can participate.

This legal battle raises broader implications for disabled religious children and their families nationwide. A decision is expected in the coming months.