The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled $32 million will not go to private schools.

The court ruled last Wednesday Gov. Henry McMaster’s attempt to spend the federal corona virus aid on grants to help parents afford K-12 private school tuition violates the SC Constitution.

In a unanimous verdict, the 5 justices said the funds would violate state law by benefiting private schools with public funds.

McMaster said in July that he would spend 66% of $48 million federal corona virus relief for the 1-time grants of up to $6,500 for an estimated 5,000 private school students.

“The direct payment of the funds to the private schools is contrary to the framers’ intention not to grant public funds ‘outrightly’ to such institutions,” Chief Justice Donald Beatty wrote.

McMaster said he would ask the court to reconsider.

Palmetto Promise Institute, an advocate for private schools, issued the following statement after the ruling Wednesday:

“We believe today’s decision errs on several essential points. As a consequence, thousands of moderate and low-income South Carolina families hurt by covid have been denied the relief they need for their children’s education.

“We will review the decision in concert with the Governor’s office to determine next steps. We will continue to fight for these families.”

McMaster also warned the ruling could jeopardize corona virus relief funds that lawmakers directed toward historically Black colleges and universities and other private institutions.