We're Taking a Stand in Missouri

As you may know, in recent months Yoga Alliance® has been working with yoga communities across the country to ensure that yoga schools and studios may operate without unnecessary government regulation. Recently, legislation was adopted in Arkansas and Colorado that exempts yoga teacher training programs (YTTs) from state regulations and licensing requirements intended to apply to “occupational” schools.

We have been contacted by members of Missouri’s yoga community regarding actions by the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) to regulate YTTs as “vocational schools” under its Postsecondary School Certification Program.  Regulation under this program means that YTTs must comply with extensive requirements and pay expensive fees. We share the concerns of Missouri yogis that regulation of YTTs in this manner is not only unnecessary, but harmful to the yoga community and small businesses in this state.

Yoga Alliance is already taking steps to protect the rights of YTTs in Missouri. We have assembled a team, and are working to show Missouri’s decision makers that regulating YTTs is misguided.

Here's What You Can Do to Help

Some of you have already reached out to support this effort, and as we move forward, your help will be critical. If you do not wish to be regulated by MDHE:

• Let us know if you have been contacted by MDHE or are currently subject to regulations by contacting us at info@yogaalliance.org.
• Tell us if you are willing to participate in Yoga Alliance’s efforts to oppose MDHE’s regulation of YTTs. If so, please send your contact information to the email address above. With your support, Yoga Alliance will launch a grassroots advocacy campaign to make sure the voices of yoga programs are heard by regulators and legislators in the state.
• Send us the names and contact information of any Missouri state government officials (including legislators) you know or who you believe will be sympathetic to our position that opposes YTT regulation.

Thank you to everyone who has already connected with us. We look forward to working with you to protect YTTs across Missouri.