Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-12-19
STATE AID DENIED
To UNCONVENTIONAL
SCHOOLS OF GEORGIA
Prof. Britain Issues Circular to
County SuperintendentS
Pointing Out Ruling of At
torney General Walker

Acting upon an opinion rendered by
Attorney General Clifford Walker re-
Gently TO the effect that state aid TO de-
nominational schools was at least in
violation Of the policy OF our govern
ment." State Superintendent OF Schools
VI. L. Britain has issued a circular
letter to county school superintendents
notifying them that the boards OF the
various school systems would be allow
ed until the end OF the present school
term, June. 1917. 10 make their new ar
rangements for schools entirely apart
from any connection or help OF any de-
nomination.
A number OF schools will be affected,
lust how many il not known yet. How
aver. IL fs known that six Baptist, six
Methodist. one Presbyterian and two
Catholic schools viii be affected by the
change.
The following statement relative to
the change was made at the state de-
partment Of education:
some time ago the state superinten-
dent Of schools brought the matter OK
danoufuational schools taught under
the suuervtsion OF local or county
boards OF education 10 the attention
~ the attorney general The opinion
received was not definitely that this was
illegal. but at least in violation OF the
policy of our government The Ques-
ton arose about two. OF the savannah
schools, but. Of course. the law applied
fmpartially to all denominations where
there Is similar connection or co-opera-
tton between the church and school au-
thorfties- There was much more aid in
former years from religious bodies. but
this has decreased as the public school
system has enlarged and strengthened
six Baptist, six Methodist, one Presoy-
tertan and two Catholic schools-with
perhaps others-are involved
The legality OF high schools under
the Georgia constitution and statutes
will almost necessarily De orought INTO
the case. since some OF the church
schools mentioned take the position that
thew are not violating the laws. where
they have charge OF the high scnool
work only, leaving the elementary
grades 10 the local authorities
The following is the official letter
from the state department OF education
TO the city. town and county educational
OFFICIAL LETTER.
s'December Is. 1916.
Ito the Superintendent and Board:
There has been Apprehension, na - -,
.r,o1y our den1minatiousI schools since the agi-
ration OF this ubiect during recent months;
The heads Of these. as well as the ooaE % =. 81
education doing work through t1eH, % - -
t1ovv how much time would be allowed before
tire enforcement OF the law according 70 tne
recent opinion Of the aisSSse ne Sesnnins Of
the p<rnlie school system authorities nave the
riEht 70 know without delay exactly WAT 20
expeet and this letter is written TO give assut-
- 4, thIs particular in 50 far as this depart
ment at least Is concerned
ssIu the first place. in answer TO the numer-
80 10 do 50 by some additional law.
there viii be no withdrawal OF state funds
from any county o. local system merely be-
cause OF the temporary use of any church for
srhool purposes. Such use Is unfortunate ana
the boards should provide school buildings 1o<
negroes as well as white pupils as soon as pos
s5SI. II sometimes happens however, through
poverty misfortune or temporary expectancy
that this use occurs or else large NUMBER are
debarred from educational opportunities In
such cases / shall not willingly cause embar-
rassment or deprivation. especially since oelieV-
ing sincerely that there is no seetarlsn eauea-
tiSn within the meaning OF our laws eonSem-
plated by the mere use Of any building Tor
s.FTTf6er. a reasonable time should be allowed
for the sale or building OF schools where the
local or county boards Of education find II
necessary for this, through ceasing 10 work In
cooperation with any church IN order 70 secure
greater educational facilities. In any event.
there Will be necessarily financial sacrifice
and loss 10 all concerned. II is q public duty
10 make this loss as small as possible. especial
IL IN view Of the help long furnished various
communities BIZ good men and women TO aid In
educating the boys and girls
I think IL right 70 notify the boards that they
will Be given until the end Of the present school
term. namely. until June. 1917. to make their
rev arrangements for schools entirely apart
from any connection or help OF any denomina-
ton IN some cases this VIII bring up necessa-
rily the question as 70 the legal right and duty
schools TIE bosrds to which attention already
has been called as probably concerned are:
''BlAekshesr local board and Pierce institute
Chatham -eOunty and two Catholic schools,
Cherokee comfy and the Methodist school
Ebert county and the Baptist school at
Floyd county and the Baptist school at Cave
''HsraIsOn county and the Baptist school at
:'Jo6nson county and the Methodist school at
Wrtghtsvflle.
Montgomery county and the Baptist school
sparks local board and Sparks institute
.'Teifair county. at McRae and Helena CALeth-
odistl-
Towns county. at Young Harris CIethodistl.
Towns county, at Hiswassee (Bsptistl.
Union county and Baptist school at Blairs-
white county and the Presbyterian school
The boards mentioned. therefore. and any
concerned. are requested 20 arrange for complete
enforcement OF any cooperation or connection
between tne PUBIC SCHOOLS anu any church In
stttution BY June. 1917. Very truly,
IN. i. BRITAIN.
state Superintendent Of Schools
Another circular letter giving the
questions propounded TO Attorney Gen.
eral Clifford Walker was also sent out
TO county school superintendents- 1t
follows:
s'In q reply received from him on October f.
the conclusion Of the attorney general Is thai:
The state sfhool superintendent could not
legally withhold funds from Chatham county,