South Carolina Supreme Court Overturns School Voucher Program

The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled against the state's Education Scholarship Trust Fund, which allowed parents to use taxpayer funds for private school tuition, declaring it unconstitutional. In a 3-2 decision, the court concluded that such funding violates the state's prohibition on public funds benefiting private educational institutions. This ruling affects nearly 3,000 low-income students who must now seek alternative education options mid-semester, as the program initially offered $6,000 scholarships to eligible families. State officials, including Governor Henry McMaster and Education Superintendent Ellen Weaver, expressed deep concern over the ruling's impact, labeling it devastating for families who had relied on these funds. The court's decision, rooted in the state's Blaine Amendments, halts all payments for private school tuition but allows for other educational expenses to continue. Appeals for reconsideration of the ruling are expected as advocates for school choice seek to restore the program.