Today, the OU commended former Governor Mitt Romney for his policy proposals designed to expand school choice.
In an address, Gov. Rommey called educational opportunity the “civil rights issue of our era” and the “challenge of our time.” He proposed several initiatives including expansion of the Washington DC Opportunity Scholarship Program and permitting students receiving federal education aid expanded options for enrolling in the schools of their choice.
Nathan Diament, the OU’s Executive Director for Public Policy, stated: “Education opportunity and reform is a paramount priority for the Orthodox Union and our constituency. We appreciate Gov. Romney’s proposals and we look forward to a meaningful discussion of education issues in this year’s campaign.”
Yehuda Neuberger, the OU’s Public Policy Chairman, stated:”Gov. Romney’s proposal to have federal education funds ‘follow the student’, rather than become mired or diluted in a trickle down process, is most commendable. It will ensure that scarce federal education dollars more effectively support the educational needs of eligible children. Too many students — in Jewish and other nonpublic schools — who are legally eligible for federally funded education services never receive them. Gov.Romney’s aggressive proposal would remedy this problem.”
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I know everyone thinks this would be an amazing development. However I was told by a lawyer specializing in this area that this funding would have a lot of strings attached. For example all buildings would have to be fully handicapped accessible, even though the building is grandfathered in. Additionally, there would be more scrutiny in non-discriminatory hiring practices. Also you would not be allowed to refuse accepting a student based on religious reasons. Overall, it may be worth it, but its not a simple solution.
I know everyone thinks this would be an amazing development. However I was told by a lawyer specializing in this area that this funding would have a lot of strings attached. For example all buildings would have to be fully handicapped accessible, even though the building is grandfathered in. Additionally, there would be more scrutiny in non-discriminatory hiring practices. Also you would not be allowed to refuse accepting a student based on religious reasons. Overall, it may be worth it, but there will be delicate issues to deal with.