Private school vouchers are being proposed in the South Carolina legislature to benefit lower-income students, sparking controversy between advocates and opponents. The Republican supermajority aims to introduce Education Scholarship Accounts in the 2025 session in response to a recent state Supreme Court ruling that deemed public funds for private or religious schools unconstitutional. The new bill utilizes lottery funds rather than the general fund, but the South Carolina Education Association argues that it still violates the constitution’s prohibition on public funds for private schools.
The SCEA, along with the NAACP, previously led a successful lawsuit against similar legislation, but with a shift in the court’s composition, the outcome of future legal challenges remains uncertain. Despite Senator Shane Massey’s assertion that private school vouchers would benefit disadvantaged students, SCEA President Sherry East believes the financial assistance provided would not be sufficient for lower-income families to afford private school tuition. Concerns persist that the vouchers may primarily serve parents who already have their children enrolled in private schools.
Amidst the conflicting perspectives, a Charleston-area senator has pre-filed a bill seeking to remove the constitutional provision that prohibits public funds from being used for private schools. As lawmakers prepare to convene in January 2025, the debate over private school vouchers in South Carolina intensifies, setting the stage for a contentious legislative session. For more information or interview requests regarding this topic, contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.