Courts have been reluctant to fully embrace free exercise or equal protection claims of school choice advocates, but recent rulings may have permanently reversed that trend, potentially compelling governments to provide substantially more resources to parochial schools than ever before. The first section of this article summarizes the origin of…

The U.S. Department of Education has projected enrollment declines over the next decade, leading to budget cuts for school districts, which will be particularly impactful in urban and rural areas serving vulnerable students. As federal COVID-19 funds expire, districts will face challenges in cutting costs, potentially leading to layoffs or school…

Government support to private education is discussed within the context of government financing of education at all grade levels and with respect to the dilemma of balancing money and influence in educational institutions. (JH)

The Governor's Task Force on the Role of Private Higher Education in Missouri was charged with finding the answers to and making recommendations concerning the following questions: (1) What resources do the private colleges and universities of Missouri have that might be utilized by the State? (2) What solutions have other states adopted toward…

An analysis of United States Supreme Court cases related to State-church separation. (JF)

Explains New Jersey law on the question of local school districts purchasing textbooks for loan to private and parochial schools. The objections of the New Jersey Education Association to these practices are noted. (SJL)

This report transmits the fruits of an inquiry into the constitutional constraints on the question of whether it is possible in Massachusetts to design programs to assist private higher education with public funds. The original focus of the inquiry was on the Massachusetts Constitution, especially its unique Amendment 46. Amendment 46 suggests…

This document reports the results of a study made in Washington State to assess the present status of the 11 private colleges and universities in the State. It was found that these private institutions are serving a vital purpose in offering students a diversified choice in type of education and curriculum. The institutions, presently serving…

Recent public interest in the unique financial problems of private higher education has resulted in proposals and legislation for state support of independent institutions. Although public assistance alleviates the private colleges' financial problems, it also obligates them to increase state supervision of their activities. Several state boards…

The yardstick for determining the constitutionality of state aid to parochial schools is now in three questions: Does the law in question meet a valid secular purpose? Does the law either advance or inhibit religion? Does the law create an excessive governmental entanglement with religion? (Author/IRT)

This report argues, using Arizona as an illustration, for a market-based school funding paradigm characterized by per-pupil allocations that follow each student to the school of their choice. The report explains what is wrong with the current system, compares the market-based approach to others that have been proposed, and demonstrates how…

Discusses the recent parochial school aid case Pearl vs Nyquist and compares it with other recent United States Supreme Court rulings on parochiad. (JF)

Discusses recent United States Supreme Court rulings on aid to parochial schools. (JF)