Respect ruling, uphold public education for all Utah students

The ruling from Third District Judge Laura Scott declaring Utah's $100 million school voucher program unconstitutional was a principled decision upholding the state's constitution. The program clearly violates Article X's requirement for public education to be "free and open to all children of the state" by allowing private schools to discriminate in admissions based on factors like gender, religion, or income. Furthermore, the use of income tax dollars earmarked solely for public education, higher education, and services for the disabled to fund private education expenses blatantly flouts Article XIII. If homeschoolers are to receive public funds, they must be accountable to the public in the same manner as public schools. Appealing this ruling would undermine Utah's constitutional foundations and open the door to further erosions of public education protections. Rather than pursuing a costly and likely fruitless appeal, state leaders should respect the judge's reasoned opinion and the clear letter of the law. Public funds must remain dedicated to supporting quality public schools accessible to every Utah student without discrimination. The focus should now shift to fully investing in and strengthening the public education system to best serve all of Utah's children.