Legal Insight. Catholic Light.

In the past two weeks, significant developments have emerged in education law across the United States, reflecting ongoing debates over educational standards, funding, and the role of diversity initiatives.

Connecticut: Settlement Reached in Stone Academy Closure

A Connecticut judge has approved a $5 million class-action settlement for former students of Stone Academy, a nursing school that abruptly closed in 2023. The lawsuit alleged that the institution misled students and failed to provide the promised education. As part of the settlement, affected students will receive compensation, and measures have been implemented to assist them in completing their education and professional licensing exams. Additionally, the former owners are barred from working in higher education for five years.

New York: Yeshivas Lose Funding Over Educational Standards

The New York State Education Department has withdrawn public funding from two Chassidic schools in Brooklyn—Yeshiva Bnei Shimon Yisroel and Talmud Torah of Kasho—after determining they failed to meet basic educational requirements under state law. Parents have been given until July 1, 2025, to find alternative schooling that complies with legal standards. This decision marks the first enforcement of the “substantial equivalence” standard, sparking debate over its implications for religious education institutions.

Texas: Governor Abbott’s Push for School Vouchers

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has intensified his campaign for school vouchers, advocating for a $1 billion bill to establish “education savings accounts” to support private school tuition and other educational expenses. Employing aggressive online tactics, Abbott has targeted political opponents, labeling a Democratic lawmaker as a “scam artist” and criticizing others. Opponents argue that the proposed vouchers could deplete public school funding, while supporters believe the measures are necessary to advance school choice.

Oklahoma: Legal Challenge to Catholic Virtual Charter School

The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa have proposed establishing St. Isidore, a virtual Catholic charter school intended to provide free Catholic education statewide. The Statewide Virtual Charter School Board approved the proposal in 2023, leading to a legal challenge from the Office of the Attorney General. The case centers on the constitutionality of a religious-affiliated charter school receiving state funding and is anticipated to progress to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Australia: Dispute Over Student Expulsion from Catholic School

In Mildura, Australia, a mother named Narelle claims her 10-year-old daughter was expelled from Sacred Heart Primary School due to Narelle’s “religious and political views.” Narelle had raised concerns about the school’s curriculum and the inclusion of LGBTQI-themed books, questioning their alignment with Catholic teachings. The school cited an “irretrievable breakdown” in the relationship and a “psychosocial risk” as reasons for the expulsion. Narelle has filed an application with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for unlawful discrimination and an injunction to prevent the termination of her daughter’s enrollment.

Federal Actions: Blocking of Student Loan Repayment Plans

The Trump administration has blocked online access to certain income-driven repayment (IDR) plans for student-loan borrowers, following a federal court ruling that halted the implementation of the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan and parts of other IDR plans. The Department of Education has removed online IDR applications from its website, leaving borrowers to submit paper applications. Critics contend that this action unnecessarily harms millions of families relying on these plans for affordable payments and potential loan forgiveness.

New York: Debate Over Mask-Wearing Ban Following Campus Protest

Representative Ritchie Torres has criticized Governor Kathy Hochul for delaying the approval of a mask-wearing ban intended to curb hate speech, following an anti-Israel protest at Barnard College. Torres advocates for legislative and executive actions to implement such measures, citing historical precedents where mask bans were used to combat groups like the Ku Klux Klan. A recent poll indicates strong public support for a mask ban, especially among Jewish voters. Governor Hochul has expressed openness to reviewing related legislation.

Federal Actions: Launch of ‘End DEI’ Portal

The U.S. Department of Education has introduced a portal named “End DEI” to collect public complaints against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in publicly funded K-12 schools. This move aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI programs, which they argue discriminate against white individuals and men. The portal enables parents and community members to report perceived discrimination based on race or sex, guiding the Department in identifying areas for investigation. Advocates for DEI programs emphasize their importance in addressing historical inequities and supporting marginalized communities.