News From The Week Of June 29 – July 2, 2020

Friend:

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court turned the separation of church and state on its head, ruling in a 5-4 decision that taxpayers can be forced to fund private religious education. As I wrote in my statement ([link removed]), the Espinoza v. Montana Dept. of Revenue decision is a fundamental violation of religious freedom with far-flung consequences for every American, and has the immediate effect of forcing Montana taxpayers to support a private school voucher program that funds religious education and discrimination.

After the ruling was announced, we were diligent in getting the word out far and wide, including to major news outlets like:
- The Associated Press: [link removed]
- The LA Times: [link removed]
- The Christian Post: [link removed]
- The Huffington Post: [link removed]

Now that this ruling has been handed down, what can we do to fight back?

The way forward is clear: Since the Court’s decision only applies where states have voucher programs, we must work harder than ever to oppose all private school voucher programs. Already, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is latching onto this decision to build momentum for her proposed federally funded private school voucher plan that could divert billions away from our public schools.

If you haven’t yet, please click here to tell the Senate to reject private school vouchers and use public funds for public schools: [link removed]

Public schools educate 90% of our nation’s students, and they cannot discriminate or impose religious litmus tests. If we ensure that public funds go only to public schools, we can prevent taxpayers from being forced to fund religious education. And AU is continuing to build a broad and diverse movement to fight back against vouchers.

I want to thank you, friend, for everything you do to defend the separation of religion and government. While this ruling is a major setback, I am as confident as ever that, together, we can make certain that our country’s central promise of religious freedom endures.

With hope and determination,

Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO

Five Takeaways From Today’s Supreme Court Ruling On Vouchers:
The Supreme Court did not say that states must establish voucher plans, only that if a state does have one, religious schools must be included.
READ MORE » [link removed]

Mississippi Trades Confederate Emblem For ‘In God We Trust’ On State Flag:
Mississippi legislators are trading a Confederate, white nationalist symbol on their state flag for a Christian nationalist one – “In God We Trust.” Mississippi should not replace one exclusionary flag with another.
READ MORE » [link removed]

Indiana Catholic Schools Could Crack Down On LGBTQ Students While Pulling In Taxpayer Dollars:
Indiana has the biggest voucher program in the country. This means that religious schools – which answer to church officials and aren’t held to same accountability standards as public institutions – could be receiving taxpayer dollars to fund their programs.
READ MORE » [link removed]

Despite What Christian Nationalists Say, Americans Are Wary Of Reopening Houses Of Worship:
As states reopen and loosen their restrictions, it is important to remember that despite the urging from Christian nationalist groups, the majority of Americans still do not feel comfortable exposing themselves to large public gatherings.
READ MORE » [link removed]

Like Us On Facebook: [link removed]

Follow Us On Twitter: [link removed]

Follow us On Instagram: [link removed]

Copyright © 2020
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
1310 L Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC xxxxxx
www.au.org

unsubscribe: [link removed]
Update your information: [link removed]
Privacy policy: www.au.org/about/privacy-policy
Donate: [link removed]