Salt of the Earth: School vouchers

Social justice news
August 2002

AIDS claims thousands while Africans wait for Western help
Amnesty International renews call for suspension of U.S. weapons transfers to Israel
Bishops concerned about "homeland security's" threat to immigrants
CRS in emergency response to drought and famine in southern Africa
School of the Americas protesters sentenced
Supreme Court affirms school vouchers
Voice of the Faithful meet in sorrow and hope
War drums along the Potomac

Supreme Court affirms school vouchers
"This is a great victory for the 4,000 children and their parents and an encouraging sign of hope for the thousands of families whose children are trapped in schools they did not choose," said Michael Guerra, president of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).

The "victory" Guerra speaks of is a Supreme Court decision in favor of Cleveland's Pilot Scholarship and Tutoring Program, started in 1995, allowing low-income families to receive up to $2,250 per year in public funds for their children to attend private schools. The program has been battling lawsuits since its establishment but remained active while appeals moved through the courts.

The decision opens the door to other cities and states that would like to pass similar voucher programs and has been likened by President George W. Bush and others to the 1954 Brown versus Board of Education decision desegregating the public school system. In a speech in Cleveland July 1, Bush called the ruling "just as historic" as Brown, saying, "The Court declared that our nation will not accept one education system for those who can afford to send their children to a school of their choice and one for those who can't."

Critics of the decision, most notably the National Education Association, say voucher programs divert money from already underfunded public school systems. Other critics argue it violates the constitutionally required separation of church and state by giving public money to fund education in a religious environment. According to the New York Times, nearly all of the 4,000 voucher recipients in Cleveland use the supplement to attend religious schools. Only about 5 percent of Cleveland students receive vouchers.

Proponents of school vouchers also vary in their reasons for support—some citing a belief that education is a matter of local governance, not to be dictated by the federal government. Others identify the issue as one of justice between the financially well off who can afford their children an elite education and the less fortunate who must endure failing public school systems.

The NCEA says it is a matter of justice. "Now that the constitutional debate is over," said Guerra, "Advocates and opponents of school choice will focus exclusively on the public policy question: Is it wise or foolish for government to support the decisions parents of modest means would like to make about the schools in which their children are educated? We believe it is not only wise but also just." —Tara Dix

For more information see:
NEA press release
White House press release

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