Rev. Barry Lynn, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and Clint Bolick, Goldwater Institute, were the opposing views with Dean Pickett, Tri- District Counsel (Tempe ESD, Tempe UHSD, Kyrene ESD) moderating.
The first question asked was about the voucher program
Rev. Lynn is for Separation of Church and State and Anti-Voucher. According to Gallop Poll 65% of Americans oppose school vouchers. This is up from 50% just 3 yrs ago. There is and are many important ways to accommodate religious freedom at schools. A school can not set a time for organized prayer, not even at school events, like graduation or athletic games.
Clint Bolick believes one's religious views do not dictate the stance of one's view on Church and State School Choice. The decision of where to spend money should be made by the parent or student, not the government. The Goldwater Institute created and supported School Choice for kids with disabilities with an account funded to them to cover costs of education and other special services to support the their disability.
What is the appropriate role of K-12 schools to address cultural diversity and hatred due to 9/11?
Teachers have not been trained to do comparative religious study. Teachers, who teach objectively about religion, include the good, bad, and ugly. Yet, most parents only see the one side of region. Efforts should be made to discuss religion as it relates to history, but not as a separate course or in light of 9/11.
The Winn Case -US tax payers do not have standing to challenge tax credit programs. This makes it different to challenge government wrong doing. In AZ tax payers do have a stance.
Education Savings Accounts came out of oral argument of the Cain case. The funds are not used for private or religious schools, but rather to support educational services to support the constitutional rights of students with special needs. The funds can be used to pay for services by public schools.
Rev. Lynn thinks the Education Savings Accounts are diversions that prevent fairness for all students. In Milwaukee, there have been 7 increases in property tax since the law, because education now costs more.
Education Savings Account can give schools an opportunity to sell services to kids who don't go to their schools.
It was recommended that I read: The Death of the Great American Schools
Third question related to their view of the September 28th - See you at the Pole event.http://www.syatp.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=2
Both agreed this event is no different than any other school club. It would be improper if the group is not an official school club.
Forth question is about the use of schools by church organistaions
NY Bronx Case (in litigation since 1974) - Use of schools for Sunday school services.
In AZ, churches rent space for services.
Rev. Larry says the process is legitimate, but if a Church doesn't ever build and you have others who want to rent the space, you will have a problem.
If donations promote religious messages, the item cannot be used during a school sanctioned event and might be best to return the donation.
Clint believes schools should be generous with allowing opt outs of the teachers, support staff, and students for religious holiday event in the school.
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