Post by AuntieSocial on Jan 21, 2004 7:57:13 GMT -5
From: Matt Howes, National Internet Organizer, ACLU
To: ACLU Action Network
Date: January 20, 2004
Over the next couple days, Congress is expected to vote on an appropriations bill that includes a provision to use tax dollars to support private religious schools.
The provision -- a pilot voucher program in Washington D.C. -- would allow taxpayer funds to subsidize religious schools and other private institutions. While proponents of the program argue that it will give children a choice in education, the choice would only be available to a small segment of the public school students. Religious schools and other private schools are not required to comply with many federal civil rights laws and can exclude students based on their religion, gender and learning or physical disabilities. Consequently this program would funnel taxpayer funds into private schools that can pick and choose which students to accept.
Not only would this pilot program funnel fourteen million dollars towards religious schools, it would also be the first step towards expanding the use of vouchers nationwide.
Take Action! Taxpayer funds should not support religious schools.
Click here to get more information and send free faxes to your Members of Congress.
