Tennessee parents are suing the state over the universal voucher program, arguing that it violates the state constitution by diverting public funds to private schools that they say discriminate against students and lack accountability.

“I’ve raised nine children in Memphis, and all of them have attended Shelby County Schools,” said Apryle Young, one of the plaintiffs. “I’ve seen what our teachers can do when they have resources, and what happens when those resources disappear. We need to invest in our public schools, not abandon them.”

State lawmakers passed Gov. Bill Lee’s controversial voucher program – called Education Freedom Scholarships – earlier this year during a special legislative session.

Families can use taxpayer funds to defray the cost of attending K-12 private schools. Th

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