Parents have the right to send their children to independent schools, but government is under no obligation to fund that choice. The values of our diverse society are reflected in public schools. Many poor parents could not afford tuition, even with some government support. The poorest of the poor would be left in the public schools. Any educational choice program would take money away from the public school system and divert it to parochial and private schools.
Public control follows public money.
Under educational choice, independent schools would be controlled by government bureaucracy. The United States' principles on church and state are good for both religion and government and should not be compromised. Any educational choice law that includes religious schools would be unconstitutional. For Discussion 1. People who in principle are open to educational choice will need to consider specific proposals in making a final decision.