The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) is attempting to regulate yoga teacher training programs (YTTs) as “vocational” schools.  These regulations are unnecessary and detrimental to Illinois’ yoga community for the following reasons:

• YTTs are not “vocational” schools. YTTs are not designed to lead to full-time employment, and most students take part in such programs only to deepen their personal practice.
• Regulations are harmful to the yoga community. Many YTTs are small businesses with tight budgets. We know of many who have opted not to offer YTTs programs or expand current offerings because of burdensome regulatory requirements. These onerous requirements act as a significant barrier to entry and growth for yoga businesses.

We support a vibrant and healthy yoga community in Illinois, and oppose unnecessary and harmful regulation of YTTs by the IBHE.