State Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Diane Stephens ruled it unconstitutional for the State of Michigan to use public tax dollars to fund private schools, following legal action brought by the ACLU of Michigan, public education leaders and parent groups across the state. The state had intended to divert $5 million to private schools, prompting the ACLU of Michigan and its coalition partners to file suit in March 2017. A preliminary injunction against the payments was issued in July 2017. Today the judge issued a final ruling declaring the appropriation unconstitutional.
“The constitution is clear that public money should only be used for public schools,” said Dan Korobkin, Deputy Legal Director for the ACLU of Michigan. “Today’s ruling sends a message to lawmakers that public dollars cannot fund private interests.”