MORNING NEWSBREAK | Private school voucher advocates lost another round in the S.C. Supreme Court Wednesday, with a majority of the justices finding that the state’s controversial new scholarship program is unconstitutional.
The 3-2 ruling, which found the justices at odds over the law and the facts in the case, marked the second time the state’s highest court has struck down a private school scholarship program since 2020. Under Wednesday’s ruling, parents can continue to use scholarship dollars to pay for other educational expenses, such as computers and private tutoring.
“After we clear away the window dressing, we can see the act funnels public funds to the direct benefit of private schools,” freshman Associate Justice Gary Hill wrote on behalf of the majority. “This is what our [state] constitution forbids.”
Though the ruling’s full impact was not immediately clear, S.C. Department of Education officials told the City Paper that funds already received by families would not be affected. In a separate statement, state Superintendentof Education Ellen Weaver, a longtime supporter of private school vouchers, said she would “respectfully disagree” with the court’s decision.
“Families cried tears of joy when the scholarship funds became available for their children, and today’s Supreme Court ruling brings those same families tears of devastation,” Weaver said. “These students deserve better, and I will not rest until they get it.”
But plaintiffs in the case, including S.C. Education Association President Sherry East, said the ruling was an important victory for the more than 750,000 Palmetto State families who rely on public schools to educate their children.
“We are very grateful that the courts ruled in our favor and that public dollars will remain in public schools,” East told the City Paper. “I just wish the state had put all this on hold until the Supreme Court made its decision.”
In a statement, Gov. Henry McMaster expressed disappointment with the ruling, but vowed to press on.
“The Supreme Court’s decision may have devastating consequences for thousands of low-income families who relied on these scholarships for their child’s enrollment in school last month,” McMaster said. “We will request the Court to expeditiously reconsider this decision.”
In other news headlines today:
CP FOOD: ‘Tango & Tapas’ event celebrates Latin culture in Charleston. The Gin Joint on East Bay Street will host a Sept. 13 event that brings together dance, poetry, cuisine and cocktails — all in celebration of Latin Heritage Month.
CP FOOD: Local chef Lauren Furey gets her own online TV show. Charleston chef Lauren Furey this week announced the debut of her first cooking show, “Now We’re Cookin’,” launching on public television’s SCETV in October.
CP Food: In lieu of Restaurant Week, Charleston spots offer their own specials. Charleston Restaurant Week, organized by the SC Restaurant & Lodging Association, is typically held twice a year. This year, though, the organization is “making a small pivot” and foregoing the traditional fall installment.
Two organizations seek to bring awareness to housing conditions in Charleston. Amnesty International, the College of Charleston and the South Carolina Housing Justice Network are working together to bring awareness to housing crises in Charleston.
West Ashley Sumar Street plans approved weeks after introduction. Charleston moved forward with a roughly $345 million plan and a new developer for the former Piggly Wiggly site and Ashley Landing shopping center in West Ashley.
Vacant North Charleston school site could get second life. After a structure fire and lengthy insurance battle delayed plans for the old Chicora Elementary School, the nonprofit that owns the building announced plans for the site.
Berkeley County schools’ parents push for more safety after recent threats. The Berkeley County School District says they are seeing more threats at this point in the school year than in years past and some parents say they fear sending their children to school.
Free after-school meal program returns to Charleston. Charleston students will have the opportunity to obtain free after-school meals and snacks at several Charleston County library branches this school year.
Related
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
