Lawsuit tests 1970 ban on public aid for private schools

LANSING (AP) — A lawsuit has been filed to challenge Michigan’s ban on public aid for private schools.

The ban has been in place since voters added it to the state Constitution in 1970. A judge recently cited it while blocking the state from giving $2.5 million to
private schools for fire drills, inspections and other state requirements. The Michigan Supreme Court declined to intervene.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a group that includes a Roman Catholic school in Grand Rapids and parents.

The lawsuit says the ban was deeply rooted in anti-Catholic sentiment. Critics say it violates the U.S. Constitution in a number of ways.