Frankfort, KY (June 27, 2002) – Today’s
Supreme Court decision (5-4) upholding the Cleveland school voucher
program removes a significant barrier in recognizing educational
alternatives beyond the public school system.
The Kentucky League for Educational Alternatives
(KLEA) calls today’s Supreme Court’s decision in Zelman v.
Simmons-Harris a "landmark decision" which will empower
parents in making educational choices for their children. Harry Borders,
KLEA Director, stated, "Today’s ruling is all about children. The
future of education in Kentucky must focus on the needs of the student
and not where the student attends school. Today’s decision creates new
opportunities for parents to determine the best educational opportunity
for their children."
KLEA is committed to seeking new educational
alternatives in Kentucky including tuition tax credits for parents whose
children attend non-public schools. KLEA supported passage of House Bill
567 in the 2002 Kentucky General Assembly. The legislation would have
created a tuition tax credit for individuals contributing to a
non-public school scholarship foundation.
The Court’s ruling affirms what school choice
advocates have sought for many years, the right of the parent to choose
where their child attends school. According to Harry Borders,
"Today’s decision clearly places the interest of the child first
and opens the door for greater parental choice and involvement in
selecting the most appropriate education for their child. The Court’s
ruling is larger than Cleveland and will resonate across the nation’s
entire educational spectrum."
KLEA welcomes this decision and recognizes the need
to improve educational opportunities for all students regardless of
where they attend school.
Kentucky League for Educational Alternatives is a
grassroots parent organizing agency sponsored by the state’s four
Roman Catholic Bishops.
