Jewish private schools in New York are taking their fight to the state's highest court, arguing that parents - not the government - should decide how to educate their children.
The schools, known as yeshivas, are pushing back against new rules that would give the State Education Department (SED) power to approve or shut down private schools. They say these rules go too far and violate parents' rights to choose religious education for their kids.
In their legal filing, the schools point out that the Education Department is contradicting its own past statements. Just a few years ago, the department admitted in writing that it "did not have direct authority over private schools." Back then, it said it could only step in through truancy court if kids weren't attending school at all.
The schools also highlight what they see as unfair treatment. Under the new rules, private schools could face immediate closure if deemed inadequate. Meanwhile, failing public schools get 10 years before facing any consequences - and even then, they stay open with new management.
PEARLS, a group defending Jewish schools and parents' rights, is leading the court battle. They remind the court that both New York and U.S. Supreme Court judges have long protected parents' rights to choose religious education. One judge even called it a "natural right" that came before any government laws.
The court's decision could impact thousands of Jewish families who choose religious education for their children.
Monsey Scoop contributed to this article.