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Paxton Opinion: State Can Bar Schools from Vouchers Citing Anti-Terror Laws, Igniting Religious Freedom Debate

Key Takeaways

  • Texas AG Ken Paxton issued an opinion regarding school voucher program eligibility.
  • The opinion states the Comptroller can exclude schools from receiving vouchers based on existing anti-terror laws.
  • A CAIR official strongly disputes this, arguing the opinion could allow scrutiny of Muslim schools based solely on religious identity.
  • The controversy raises significant legal questions about religious freedom, equal protection, and potential discrimination in state programs.
Big news out of Texas, as Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued an opinion that could really shake things up for school voucher programs. He says the state's Comptroller actually has the power to keep certain schools out of these programs, and here’s the kicker: he believes they can do it under existing anti-terror laws. Now, if you're thinking about legal implications, this opinion immediately raises some eyebrows. A CAIR official has already pushed back hard, arguing that the law simply doesn't give the Comptroller a free pass to scrutinize Muslim schools just because of their religious identity. This isn't just a technicality; it's a straight-up challenge to fundamental constitutional rights, specifically religious freedom and equal protection under the law. So, what does this mean for you? It's about where state power ends and religious liberty begins. This isn't just about school choice; it’s about public policy, how Texas funds education, and what protections religious institutions have from government oversight that could feel discriminatory.