ACLU

Perhaps the American Civil Liberties Union wouldn't have such a bad reputation among conservatives if it stuck to defending civil liberties instead of attacking ones they (i.e. the left) aren't fond of... Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 10:09:13 -0400
From: action@dcaclu
To: aclu_list@capwiz.mailmanager
Subject: 7-30-02-ACLU Action Update: Oppose
Taxpayer Subsidies to Religious Schools

TO: ACLU Action Network Members
FR: Angela Colaiuta, National Field Organizer
DT: 7-30-02

In a decision issued last month, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Cleveland's school voucher program even though 96 percent of the students participating in the program used the vouchers to attend religious school. The battle over vouchers is now turning to Congress, which is expected to soon debate the fate of these misguided programs. Specifically, House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX) has introduced the "District of Columbia Student Opportunity Scholarship Act," HR 5033. This troubling legislation would divert $45 million in public funds over five years to fund transportation, tuition and fees at private and religious schools in the District of Columbia. This program would offer only the illusion of "choice" for the vast majority of DC publ ic school students. At best, it would increase the opportunities of a handful of children that will be carefully selected by private schools that have the luxury of deciding who they want to admit, all while funneling much-needed funds away from public schools. Take action!