Why It Matters:

• Advocacy group Americans United for Separation of Church and State is investigating whether Ohio’s new funding opportunity to nonpublic schools is unconstitutional, potentially jeopardizing nearly $4 million in funding awarded to eight Catholic private schools for construction and building improvements.

• Americans United for Separation of Church and State alleges the funding violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and two separate clauses in the Ohio State constitution.

• Legislators note that any organization could apply for the funding, and of the 656 projects awarded statewide, only eight went to renovations at private Christian schools.

• This funding marks a shift, allowing sectarian schools to receive direct state support and access broader funding opportunities.

• Americans United for Separation of Church and State has not yet filed a lawsuit and will decide on next steps after reviewing records requested from the state.