Unlike the Milwaukee program, which excludes most students already in private schools, in Nyquist the state of New York sought to keep children in parochial schools by making tuition grants that would help relieve their parents' financial burden. The plan in Nyquist was clearly neither neutral nor indirect, and it had the primary effect of aiding religious schools. In deciding that parental choice was the key to neutrality in dealing with religious schools, the Wisconsin Court remarkably affirmed parental responsibility. Since the amended MPCP passed the three tests and the critics' objections failed, the court gave the law a clear two thumbs up. Rich in experience Besides sweeping away specious arguments, the Wisconsin court opened the door to a rich deposit of educational experience and wisdom.
Teachers caring and teaching others to work for the good of all make individual students successful.
Programs like Milwaukee's won't be able to serve all children who could benefit from them. And politicians should not use them as an excuse not to address the systemic problems of urban public schools. Yet, opening the door to successful schools is good news for children who would otherwise be trapped in failing school systems. Having a state supreme court approve a carefully thought-out way for religious schools to help foundering communities is good news for America.