Alaska lawmakers raise education lawsuit conflict concern for attorney general designee
Alaska lawmakers are questioning the potential conflict of interest between Stephen Cox's role as treasurer of a private Christian school and his position as the state's top legal officer, who is defending the state in a lawsuit challenging the use of state homeschool funds for private school tuition. Cox has stated he was not aware of the school's tuition information and declined to comment further, citing active litigation.
Alaska lawmakers are considering Gov. Mike Dunleavy's pick for attorney general, Stephen Cox. Cox leads the Alaska Department of Law, defending the state in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of spending state homeschool funds on private school tuition. He is also treasurer and a founding member of the Thomas More Classical School, a private Christian school. Lawmakers have raised concerns about a potential conflict between his roles. The school's website invites the use of state homeschool funding for non-religious courses. Cox stated he was not aware of the school's tuition information and declined to comment further. The lawsuit, brought by parents in 2023, questions whether state money can be used for religious or private institutions. A judge initially ruled the allotment system unconstitutional, but the Alaska Supreme Court overturned this decision. The case is ongoing, with a discovery period open until June 1.
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