School funding plan compels government support of religion

Many citizens and institutions are voicing a wide variety of valid arguments in opposition to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ plan to move public school money to private schools. One objection has seen little comment, yet it may be the most fundamentally powerful argument of all.

Here are some facts to clarify why this important objection is so central to our freedoms. Fully 84 percent of Iowa’s private schools are religiously affiliated. Of these religious schools, 55 percent identify as Catholic, 20 percent as Christian and 11 percent as Lutheran. There is one Islamic school.

Should our public tax dollars pay for private religious education? Should we be compelled to support educating children in religious institutions that do not comport with our individual faith practices and beliefs?

The First Amendment guarantees our freedom of religion. The establishment clause of the First Amendment also guarantees our freedom from religion. The Reynolds voucher scheme will limit that fundamental right and compel public support of government funded private religion.

Virginia Meyer

Lone Tree