Columbia, SC – Today, The South Carolina Education Association (The SCEA) President Sherry East released the following statement on the South Carolina Supreme Court denying the petition for a rehearing on its decision to strike down the state’s unconstitutional voucher program:
“We are grateful of the recent reaffirmation by our state’s Supreme Court, which has made it clear, not once, but twice, that voucher programs violate our state's constitution. This ruling sends a strong message that public funds should be dedicated to our public schools which educate over 95% of South Carolina’s children.”
The SCEA and its members, including public school educators and parents, are gratified by today’s decision and by the commitment of the South Carolina Supreme Court to enforcing the protections for our public schools enshrined in the South Carolina Constitution.
This ruling is a critical step in protecting the integrity of our public education system, acknowledging the essential role of public schools in our communities and the responsibility of the state to uphold this commitment.
As we move forward, we encourage our legislators to focus on investing in public education and finding solutions that uplift all students rather than diverting resources away from public schools. Our students, teachers, and communities deserve nothing less.
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