The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue is a victory for education opportunity and excellence. Issuing one of its final decisions for the 2019-2020 session, the Court on June 30 ruled that a provision in Montana’s Constitution which had the effect of denying parents the choice of attending religious schools is discriminatory and violates the free exercise clause of the U.S. Constitution. Commonly called a “Blaine Amendment,” such provisions have existed in 37 state constitutions. The Espinoza decision portends the beginning of their demise.

Prayers of thanks, huzzahs and hoorays are being heard across the country since the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court June 30 that it is unconstitutional to discriminate against parents simply because they choose to send their children to a religious school. Wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in the 5-4 majority opinion in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, “Drawing on ‘enduring American tradition,’ we have long recognized the rights of parents to direct ‘the religious upbringing’ of their children.”