Texans have until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday to submit applications for the state’s school voucher program. This follows a federal judge’s denial of a request for a second extension of the deadline.

Lawsuit and Initial Extension

The request for an extension came from four Muslim parents and three Islamic private school providers who sued Texas leaders. They alleged they were improperly excluded from the program based on unsubstantiated terrorism allegations. U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett initially extended the application deadline by two weeks on March 17th, ordering the state to consider the schools’ applications.

Comptroller's Actions

Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who manages the voucher program, subsequently approved five schools cited in the lawsuit. The comptroller’s office has also approved additional Islamic schools that were not part of the initial legal challenge. According to a statement from Travis Pillow, a spokesperson for the comptroller, all eligible Islamic schools that applied have been approved and provided with registration links.

Denied Second Extension Request

Despite the recent approvals, the plaintiffs sought another extension to April 14th, arguing that the late acceptance of some schools deterred Muslim families from applying and skewed the applicant pool. Judge Bennett denied this request, stating the initial extension was based on a “specific and limited showing” of exclusion, which the state has since addressed.

State's Position and Concerns

The state, represented by Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, argued that families have until July 15th to select a school and therefore haven’t been harmed by the initial exclusion. Paxton’s office also raised concerns about the accreditation process of the Islamic schools. However, Paxton recently sought to withdraw his office’s representation in the case following public criticism from Comptroller Hancock regarding the legal defense strategy and unsubstantiated terrorism allegations.

Upcoming Hearing and Ongoing Concerns

The judge clarified that the ruling does not resolve the underlying claims of discrimination. A court hearing is scheduled for April 24th to address these allegations. The plaintiffs are seeking a court order that would apply to all Muslim parents and Islamic schools seeking access to vouchers. The comptroller’s office stated it will investigate any potential fraud or unlawful activity by participating schools and ensure no taxpayer funding goes to organizations linked to terrorism.

Financial Impact for Families

Mehdi Cherkaoui, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, pays nearly $18,000 annually in tuition for his two children and hoped to utilize the approximately $10,500 per child in voucher funding. The lawsuit argues the exclusion of Islamic schools prevents him from completing the application process.