COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost reaffirmed the state’s commitment to school choice on Monday, vowing to defend the EdChoice Scholarship Program amid an ongoing legal challenge that threatens its future. Speaking at a press conference alongside legislative and community leaders, Yost assured Ohio families that the program remains active and available for the upcoming academic year.
“EdChoice is the law of the land for the coming school year,” Yost declared. “Nothing that’s happened legally limits their options. Parents can still choose the school that best suits their children—whether public or private.”
His comments come in response to a June 24 ruling by a Franklin County judge who sided with a group of urban school districts and several parents challenging the constitutionality of EdChoice. The plaintiffs argue that the state-funded voucher program undermines public education by diverting resources to private institutions.
Despite the ruling, the judge issued a stay, meaning the program will continue uninterrupted while the case works its way through the appeals process. Yost confirmed that the state will file its appeal this week with the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals.
Joining Yost at the press event were several prominent supporters of school choice, including Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, State Rep. Jamie Callender, Rabbi Eric “Yitz” Frank, president of School Choice Ohio, Aaron Baer of the Center for Christian Virtue, Tom Fisher of EdChoice Legal Advocates, and Monica Williams, a parent whose family has benefited from the program.
Supporters emphasized that EdChoice provides critical educational access for thousands of K–12 students by offering state-funded scholarships to attend private schools. They also framed the legal fight as one centered on parental rights and educational opportunity—especially for families in underperforming school districts.
The case has sparked debate statewide over public funding, equity, and the role of private schools in the broader education system. But for now, officials say, parents can confidently move forward with school plans for the fall.
