Private schools in Louisiana are suing the state over “Charlie’s Law,” arguing it violates their independence by imposing new mandates on nonpublic Pre-K programs, The Center Square writes.
Filed Oct. 20 in federal court, the complaint names State Superintendent Cade Brumley and other officials as defendants. It challenges Act 409 of the 2025 legislative session, which expands child welfare and safety standards to all school-sponsored programs and requires private schools serving 3- and 4-year-olds to obtain state Early Learning Center licenses.
Plaintiffs say the measure burdens faith-based institutions with compliance audits, fines up to $1,000 per day, and potential shutdowns, while exempting public and Montessori schools. The Louisiana Department of Education said Friday it supports the law’s goals but agrees nonpublic schools have “every right” to contest potential overreach.
The case underscores growing tension between state oversight and private school autonomy in early childhood education.
