Ohio bishops’ conference defends school choice after judge rules program unconstitutional

The Catholic Conference of Ohio — the second-oldest state bishops’ conference in the US — is defending Ohio’s EdChoice program after a Franklin County judge ruled it unconstitutional June 24. 

As CatholicVote previously reported, Judge Jaiza Page ruled that the EdChoice program violates Ohio’s constitutional requirement to provide a “thorough and efficient system of common schools.” 

The ruling, however, was immediately stayed, allowing the program to continue while the case moves through the appeals process.

“We remain confident the EdChoice program will prevail in the appeals process,” said Brian Hickey, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Ohio, which speaks for the state’s bishops on matters of public policy.

“Ensuring EdChoice scholarships for students is a matter of social justice, as it allows for equal opportunities for all of Ohio’s children,” Hickey continued. “It is also sensible public policy, encouraging a more robust education system for families that ultimately benefits society and the common good.”

Established in 1945, the conference is the official representative of the Church in matters of public policy. Its operations are governed by a board of directors made up of all bishops with jurisdiction in Ohio, and the Archbishop of Cincinnati serves as chairman of the board — currently Archbishop Robert G. Casey.

Hickey reiterated the Church’s ongoing commitment to educational freedom and parental rights.

“The Catholic Church will continue to advocate for and defend programs that support parents as the primary educators of their children and enable them to select a school that best suits their child’s needs,” he said.

Catholic schools across Ohio, he noted, reflect the fruits of that freedom: institutions marked by ethnic and racial diversity, spiritual depth, and academic rigor. 

“We are proud that Catholic schools in Ohio continue to flourish with ethnic and racial diversity while providing a rich spiritual and intellectual environment,” Hickey said. 

He added that Catholic schools, like all chartered nonpublic schools in the state, adhere closely to Department of Education and Workforce requirements — maintaining standards in teacher licensing, audits, and state-approved testing.

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