Tuesday, November 20, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS — A day before Indiana’s Supreme Court hears arguments on the constitutionality of its state’s school voucher program, Oklahoma voucher families are declaring victory based on a decision from their state’s Supreme Court.
Today, the Supreme Court of Oklahoma dismissed the legal challenge to families utilizing the state’s Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities program. The challenge to parents was brought by the Jenks and Union public school districts. Statewide, more than 150 Oklahoma students with special needs currently are receiving scholarships to attend schools of their parents’ choosing.
“I applaud the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision today to discontinue the challenge to the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship program,” according to a statement from Oklahoma’s State Superintendent, Janet Barresi. “This is a victory for students with disabilities throughout our state and for their families. This also is a victory for education choice in Oklahoma.”
In Indiana, the state’s Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday on the constitutionality of a voucher program currently being used by more than 9,300 students. Supporting the families in the hearing are Indiana Solicitor General Tom Fisher and Bert Gall and Dick Komer, senior attorneys with the Institute for Justice. The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice filed an amicus brief in defense of Indiana’s voucher program and the families using it.
“It’s unfortunate some are trying to deny educational opportunity to thousands of families who simply want the best educational settings for their children,” Robert Enlow, president and CEO of the Friedman Foundation, said. “We, and many others, will continue to stand up for those parents, who desire nothing but the best for their children.”
About the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice
The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, solely dedicated to advancing Milton and Rose Friedman’s vision of school choice for all children. First established as the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation in 1996, the Foundation continues to promote school choice as the most effective and equitable way to improve the quality of K-12 education in America. The Foundation is dedicated to research, education, and outreach on the vital issues and implications related to choice and competition in K-12 education.
Contact
| Jeff Reed |
| State Marketing & Public Relations Director |
| Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice |
| E-Mail: Jeff@EdChoice.org |
| Phone: 317-681-0745 |
