Florida Cabinet Questions Legality of State Voucher System Funding Islamic Schools
Florida Cabinet Questions Legality of Voucher System Funding Islamic Schools
TALLAHASSEE, FL — In a surprising turn of events, all three members of the Florida Cabinet are raising concerns about the legality of the state’s universal school voucher system, particularly regarding taxpayer-funded scholarships directed toward private Islamic schools. Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, all Republicans aligned with Governor Ron DeSantis, are scrutinizing whether the system can legally extend to institutions like Hifz Academy and Bayaan Academy in Tampa.
The Cabinet, while influential, does not possess the authority to directly alter funding policies; that power lies with the Department of Education, which has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the matter.
Uthmeier took to social media to express his concerns, stating, “Sharia law seeks to destroy and supplant the pillars of our republican form of government and is incompatible with the Western tradition.” He further asserted that using taxpayer-funded vouchers to support such schools could violate Florida law and jeopardize national security. However, his office has not confirmed whether an investigation will be launched.
Ingoglia indicated that his office is considering an audit of the schools in question, emphasizing their commitment to identifying potential “waste, fraud, and abuse” in state funding. Simpson, a proponent of universal school choice, echoed these sentiments, insisting that “schools that indoctrinate Sharia law should not be a part of our taxpayer-funded school voucher program.”
A Broader Context
Florida’s school voucher program currently encompasses 2,278 private schools, with a significant majority—82%—of participating students attending religious institutions, predominantly Roman Catholic schools. The controversy surrounding the Islamic schools has intensified in light of recent geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflict involving Hamas and Israel, which has fueled a broader push against Sharia law in the U.S.
This is not the first instance of Florida pulling voucher funds from schools. In 2023, Governor DeSantis directed the education department to withdraw funding from institutions allegedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party. Similarly, in 2003, the state ceased funding for the Islamic Academy of Florida after connections to terrorism were uncovered.
The Controversy Unfolds
The scrutiny of Hifz Academy and Bayaan Academy stems from a report by the RAIR Foundation, a right-wing media organization that claims Florida’s school choice vouchers are being misused to establish “Sharia-run institutions.” The report highlights the schools’ curricula, which includes both Islamic teachings and traditional subjects, and raises alarms about their financial ties.
Hifz Academy, founded in 2011, serves 460 students, while Bayaan Academy, established in 2015, has 200 students enrolled. Both institutions accept state scholarships, which have been a point of contention among state officials.
Despite the Cabinet’s concerns, the word “Sharia” is notably absent from the official websites of both schools, and there is no evidence suggesting that their curricula promote Sharia law.
Looking Ahead
As the Florida Cabinet continues to deliberate on this issue, the implications for the state’s voucher system remain uncertain. The Department of Education’s response will be crucial in determining the future of funding for these Islamic schools. Meanwhile, the debate over the intersection of education, religion, and state funding is likely to intensify, reflecting broader national conversations about religious freedom and the role of government in education.
For now, the Cabinet’s inquiry serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding school choice and the ongoing tensions in American society regarding religious and cultural values.