In this week’s episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts Gerard Robinson and Cara Candal are joined by Arif Panju, managing attorney at the Institute for Justice and co-counsel in the pivotal U.S. Supreme Court school choice case Carson v. Makin, along with David Carson, the lead plaintiff in the case.
Panju provides an in-depth overview of the legal arguments central to Carson v. Makin, highlighting the significance of the Court’s decision to rule in favor of the plaintiffs. This landmark ruling struck down Maine’s prohibition on using state tuition assistance for religious schools, affirming the principle that parents have the right to direct their children’s education without discrimination based on religion.
David Carson shares his personal journey as a plaintiff, offering insights into the challenges and motivations behind his family’s decision to take the case to the highest court. Both guests reflect on the broader implications of the decision for school choice and parental rights across the United States.
This episode sheds light on the potential for Carson v. Makin to serve as a catalyst for expanding educational freedom and ensuring that families have access to the schools that best align with their values and needs.