Did Douglas County School Officials really thought they would get away with the new school voucher system that funnels tax payer dollars into private schools? Today the Denver Post reports that the ACLU has sued Douglas County over the new school vouchers. The ACLU has also asked the court for an injunction to stop the voucher system until this case is decided in court.

The Douglas County Voucher Program was started this year and 75% of the money the county receives from the State of Colorado would be sent to private schools for qualifying students. The program is designed for up to 500 students at the moment. Currently there are 19 participating schools in this program – 15 of those are religious in nature. The County says there will money savings coming from this program.

The ACLU is concentrating on the religious nature that this program involves. To avoid a conflict those schools must allow students to be able to opt out from any religious education offered in those schools. But honestly, if you are even just a little bit familiar with these type of schools you know that is pretty much impossible as their education system is based on religion and religion is integrated very deep into their programs. In addition, we still (fortunately) have separation of state and religion for good reason and this program is in fact sending tax payer money into religious organizations. The county will still count those 500 students as public school system students to receive the state funding which is the foundation to send 75% of that money to those schools and students participating. The county also defends the program as it gives more choices and opportunity to students and parents to pick the best education option for them.

Many tax payers have already raised their voices about this. They do not like sending tax payer dollars to private schools, especially religious schools when at the same time the school district is cutting back resources for children at public schools. If parents want “better” education for their children and they are unhappy with the choices public schools have to offer then it is their freedom to pick a private school and pay for it accordingly. And after all – the schools in Douglas County are of good quality and employ many great and dedicated teachers.

So, it will be interesting to see how this topic develops. What are your thoughts? Please leave a comment below.

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