CER News Alert

STATEMENT FROM THE CENTER FOR EDUCATION REFORM ON U.S. SUPREME COURT'S DECISION ON CLEVELAND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

(November 5, 1999) More than 700 Cleveland families have been given a new opportunity to participate in the Cleveland Scholarship program. The ruling by the full U.S. Supreme Court stayed an earlier decision by Ohio District Judge Solomon Oliver that prevented these families from participating in the 3-year old program.

        The initial ruling came hours before the start of the new school year and granted a full injunction of the program, preventing more than 3,000 Cleveland children from attending the school of their choice. The Judge then reversed the decision and barred only the new entrants. The Supreme Court lifted that bar. "This was a child friendly decision," said CER president Jeanne Allen. "Too many children have for too long been stuck in just plain bad schools. This is a huge step towards improving the city's system of schools. With this ruling the Supreme Court has clearly shown their willingness to consider educational choice cases. Today's decision provides the Sixth Circuit Court the opportunity to do the right thing for Cleveland and decide for the children's future."

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Related Articles:
Study shows Cleveland choice program is boosting student achievement.
August 24, 1999: Court halts choice program serving city's poorest families. Students already in the program get one semester's reprieve.
November 18, 1999: Ohio Court Declines to Challenge US Supreme Court Ruling

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The Center for Education Reform is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization providing support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For additional information on school choice or education reform please call CER at (202) 822-9000.

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