LAS VEGAS, NV (April 26, 2016) — As momentum builds in the case against Nevada’s controversial and unconstitutional Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), more organizations have joined Educate Nevada Now, powered by The Rogers Foundation, in the fight to protect the rights and educational well-being of Nevada’s 460,000 public school children. On April 21, a joint Amicus Brief was filed with the Nevada Supreme Court by three prominent civil rights groups: Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Las Vegas NAACP and Southern Poverty Law Center.
As the brief states, these organizations are “a diverse group with the mission of supporting the success of all students, but especially economically disadvantaged and English Language Learner (“ELL”) students.” Their perspectives lend a valuable voice to the Court, because “their collective experience on advancing educational opportunity for vulnerable school children” is both credible and proven.
To read the full 26-page brief, which is posted on ENN’s website alongside all other legal documents in this case, click here.
On January 11, 2016, Judge James Wilson of the First Judicial District Court in Carson City sided with plaintiffs in Lopez v. Schwartz, finding that ESAs would divert funds from public schools and reduce those funds below the amount determined sufficient to operate the schools, which is in direct violation of the Nevada constitution. Judge Wilson also found that the loss of these public school funds would result in “irreparable harm” to public school children. State Treasurer Dan Schwartz appealed this decision to the Nevada Supreme Court.
Once all briefs are filed, a hearing will be scheduled in front of the Nevada Supreme Court. Educate Nevada Now hopes the Court upholds Judge Wilson’s injunction so the merits of the case – the constitutionality of ESAs – can be decided.
