Utah Judge Rules School Voucher Program Unconstitutional

A Utah judge has ruled the 'Utah Fits All' scholarship program unconstitutional, placing the future of thousands of student beneficiaries in doubt. The program, providing up to $8,000 per student for private education, was challenged by the Utah Education Association, which argued it improperly diverted income tax funds earmarked by the Utah Constitution exclusively for public education and related services. Judge Laura Scott agreed, stating that the legislature cannot bypass constitutional mandates by simply not labeling the program as part of the public education system, and that the program does not meet requirements for being open to all children and free of charge. The judge emphasized her ruling was not a commentary on the value of school choice or vouchers, but rather on the program's failure to meet constitutional standards. State officials, including Governor Spencer Cox, have signaled plans to appeal the decision, while supporters of the program argue it offered important educational opportunities for Utah families. The ruling has been celebrated by public education advocates as a victory for keeping public funds within the public school system.