Legislation would sanction use of federal funds for religious indoctrination and divert money to private schools

WASHINGTON—In response to a congressional conference committee’s report that included new language authorizing federal funding of private school vouchers, People For the American Way President Ralph G. Neas offered the following statement:

“This throws open the door to using taxpayer dollars to fund private schools. The victims of Katrina need help, but federal funds must be used to help students and rebuild public schools. Additionally, the new language continues to allow employment discrimination on the basis of religion. And, this version of the legislation removes even the limited protections that the Senate bill offered against the unconstitutional use of federal funds for proselytizing and religious worship. This voucher bill is deeply flawed, and members of the House and Senate should vote against it.”