Alabama Judge Blocks Policy Restricting Voucher Recipients' Participation in School Sports

Strategic Insights -

A temporary restraining order has been issued by Montgomery Circuit Judge J.R. Gaines, barring the Alabama High School Athletic Association from enforcing a policy that prohibits students participating in the state's voucher program, the CHOOSE Act, from playing on sports teams during their first year at a new school. The policy, which the association argued was necessary to promote competitive equity and deter recruitment, has been challenged by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter. The restraining order is seen as a victory for Ivey, who stated that every child deserves true choice in their education, including the right to participate in school athletics.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CHOOSE Act, a voucher program introduced in Alabama this school year, allows eligible families to tap up to $7,000 in state money to help pay for private school or to transfer to a public school, and up to $2,000 for homeschooling expenses.
  • Over 20,000 students are participating in the CHOOSE Act program, with 23,429 students participating in the program overall as of this school year.
  • Most families participating in the program were already enrolled in private school or were being homeschooled last year; 14,587 students attend private schools, 7,000 are homeschooled, and 1,442 students are in public schools.
  • The Alabama High School Athletic Association's policy requiring a one-year waiting period for transfer students who receive financial aid, including those participating in the CHOOSE Act, has been temporarily blocked by the restraining order.

Statistics:

  • 23,429 students are participating in the CHOOSE Act program as of this school year.
  • 14,587 students attending private schools through the CHOOSE Act program, accounting for more than half of all participants.
  • 7,000 students being homeschooled through the use of voucher funds provided by the CHOOSE Act, accounting for about one-third of all participants.
  • 1,442 students attending public schools through the CHOOSE Act program.

Sources:

  • AP News Wire
  • Alabama Department of Revenue
  • Alabama High School Athletic Association statement