This November 3rd, the Institute for Justice (IJ) will argue in defense of the current Arizona school choice program at the U.S. Supreme Court. The case is about whether tax deductions and credits for donations to educational and religious charities are constitutional.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona is challenging tax credits for contributions to religious nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships for children to attend better schools. Under the current program, Arizona donors receive tax credits for donations to particular scholarship organizations that fund diverse teaching methods, including religious, non-religious, and Montessori schools. The ACLU claims the tax credit violates the First Amendment’s establishment clause because most taxpayers choose to donate to religious scholarship organizations.
IJ released a video, alerting the public to the upcoming Supreme Court case and explaining its position in defending Arizona school choice.
Tax credits for scholarships are a great way to increase children’s and parents’ opportunities to escape from our failing public education system. A recent study by Dr. Vicki E. Murray shows that Arizona scholarship money predominantly serves low- and middle income families. These families benefit especially from the program, since they would not be able to afford private schooling on their own.
Today’s Arizona school choice program is characterized by the free choice of donors and parents. Donors have the freedom to give their money to whatever educational program they think deserves it the most, be it religious or not, and parents have the choice of enrolling their children in the program that they think is best. I hope it stays that way.