A court in Indianapolis has upheld Indiana's school voucher law, which gives taxpayer money to students who want to attend private school.
Several parents sued the state claiming it was unconstitutional because it benefits religious institutions. But a Marion County Superior Court judge late this afternoon issued a ruling saying the law is constitutional.
The ruling states the program does not benefit religious institutions because the state money goes to parents, then they choose where their child goes to school.
According to the Associated Press, Indiana State Teachers Association President Nate Schnellenberger says opponents will appeal the ruling.
Attorney General’s statement on rulingThe following statement was sent out in an email Friday night:
Today a Marion County court ruled in favor of the State and rejected a legal challenge to the constitutionality of Indiana’s new choice scholarships law, sometimes called the school vouchers law, House Enrolled Act 1003 (Public Law 92). Marion County Superior Court Judge Michael Keele today ruled in favor of the State on all of the plaintiff’s claims.
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller’s office defended the choice scholarships statute from the plaintiff’s legal challenge. Zoeller today issued this statement:
“The legislation followed the Indiana Constitution in creating broader educational options for Hoosier children since the scholarship funding is directed to students’ families, not to private schools. The court agreed that the choice scholarship program does not violate anyone’s rights and we are pleased with the thoughtful analysis,” Zoeller said.
At the court's hearing on various motions December 19, Indiana Solicitor General Thomas M. Fisher argued the State's case in the lawsuit of Meredith v. Daniels. Judge Keele's ruling, denying the plaintiff's motion for summary judgment and granting judgment for the State and Intervenors, is at thislink.
