Congress is deliberating the fate of a federally funded school voucher “experiment” in the District of Columbia. The program, which pays for tuition at religious and other private schools, was originally funded for five years, and now that time is up. Yet some legislators want to extend the program.
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The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a hearing on the issue on Wednesday, May 13. The committee is chaired by U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, an avid voucher supporter. Lieberman used the hearing to promote the D.C. scheme and to insist that Congress vote to reauthorize and expand the program.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State says voucher subsidies force taxpayers to support religion, undercut the public school system and have failed to significantly improve student academic performance. Public schools serve the overwhelming majority of Washington, D.C.’s children, and it’s time to put the focus on public school reform and shut down the voucher scheme.
This collection of materials from Americans United and the National Coalition for Public Education (an umbrella group that includes AU) debunks claims about vouchers and explains why they are a threat to your rights.
Learn more:
Problems with the D.C. voucher plan (PDF).
Vouchers violate religious liberty and harm public education (PDF).
Myths and facts about D.C.’s voucher program (PDF).
Vouchers have not significantly improved student performance in D.C. (PDF).
Milwaukee Voucher School Shuts Down After Allegations Of Student Mistreatment (May, 2009 Church & State article)
Voucher Students Don’t Do Better, Wisc. Study Says (April, 2008 Church & State article)
Problems with voucher plans elsewhere (February, 2004 Church and State article)
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