Ohio Supreme Court to Review Constitutionality of State School Voucher Program

Ohio's EdChoice voucher initiative, which allows state-funded scholarships for private-school tuition, was declared unconstitutional by a three-judge appeals court for diverting resources from public schools. The ruling has been stayed, permitting families to keep using vouchers while the Ohio Supreme Court considers the case, which could impact about 180,000 students. Established in 2005 and broadened in 2013, the program includes religious schools and was originally defended as a way to give parents a real choice in education.

Critics argue it undermines the constitutional mandate for a thorough and efficient system of common schools, while supporters cite Milton Friedman's advocacy for competition in schooling. The dispute follows earlier federal precedent upholding Ohio vouchers but raises new questions under state law, as other states expand similar programs and Congress prepares a federal tax credit for educational scholarships.