Ohio court rules private school vouchers unconstitutional

In a recent ruling, Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Jaiza Page found Ohio's private school voucher system unconstitutional, siding with a coalition of public school districts and advocacy groups. The case, driven by the lawsuit Vouchers Hurt Ohio, highlighted concerns that the EdChoice program led to resegregation and unfair funding disparities. Page's decision, which was issued on June 24, 2025, confirmed that the program violated the Ohio Constitution by failing to ensure a thorough and efficient system of public schools. The ruling was met with varied reactions, with public education advocates celebrating the win while critics raised concerns about potential impacts on students. The EdChoice program, launched in 2005, was originally designed to provide assistance to students in low-achieving schools but eventually transformed into a broader universal voucher system. While the judge dismissed claims that the program violated the equal protection clause, she underscored that control over student admissions rests with private institutions, thus rejecting the argument that parents have the ultimate decision-making power. This ruling also followed historical precedence, particularly referencing the landmark Simmons-Harris v. Goff case which dealt with similar issues regarding funding and school systems in Ohio. The Ohio Christian Education Network, a prominent organization advocating for school choice, criticized the ruling, suggesting it could deprive many students of their chosen educational paths. They framed the decision as poorly reasoned and highlighted past legal rulings that supported school choice at both state and federal levels. Meanwhile, the Ohio Education Association expressed that the outcome is a significant milestone for public education in Ohio. With the state signaling its intent to appeal the ruling, further legal battles are anticipated, which are likely to shape the future landscape of educational funding and school choice in Ohio for years to come. The decision raises critical questions about the boundaries of taxpayer-funded programs, reinforcing ongoing national debates regarding school vouchers and public versus private education funding.