NASHVILLE (May 18, 2022) – Today the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that a scholarship program for children from low-income families is constitutional and may go into effect. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Education Savings Account pilot program provides approximately $7,000 in funds for students to attend the independent school of their choice.
A coalition of parents and schools was represented by attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center, a national, Supreme Court-winning law firm. Managing attorney Daniel Suhr successfully argued to reverse a lower-court order blocking the program based on the Tennessee Constitution and existing Tennessee Supreme Court precedent.
Daniel Suhr, managing attorney at the Liberty Justice Center, said, “Today’s ruling is a historic victory for Tennessee students. For the first time in Tennessee, students from low-income families will have state financial support to attend the school of their choice. We are proud to have represented parents and schools for over two years in this fight to provide the best educational opportunities for Tennessee students.”
Kay Johnson, director of Greater Praise Christian Academy in Memphis, Tenn. said, “I am overjoyed by the court’s ruling. This program gives students in poor-performing schools the opportunity and support to attend the schools that best suit their needs. That is a win for them, their families, our communities and our state.”
The Liberty Justice Center’s case filings are available here.