Virginia Exempts Yogis From Teacher Training Regs
Wednesday, Mar 10, 2010 | Updated 5:01 PM EDT
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Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed legislation that will exempt yoga teacher-training programs from state regulations.
The state's higher education council had sought to regulate programs in which students were trained to be yoga teachers, just as it does other vocational programs.
But many Virginia yogis said the regulations, including a required $2,500 application fee, were overly burdensome. And several yoga teachers had filed a federal lawsuit arguing the proposed regulations hindered free speech protections. They argued that yoga is an oral tradition passed down by word of mouth for thousands of ears
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia wanted to certify yoga teachers like they do teachers of dog groomers, dancing instructors and bartenders, saying certification would make sure students get their money's worth.
The bill exempting yoga from the regulations passed unanimously in both houses of the Virginia Legislature and McDonnell signed the measure Tuesday night. The law takes effect July 1.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC4 Washington
