The Orthodox Union is thanking Education Secretary Arne Duncan for speaking out in favor of continuing the school voucher program in Washington, D.C. Duncan said Wednesday that "I don’t think it makes sense to take kids out of a school where they’re happy and safe and satisfied and learning. I think those kids need to stay in their school." Duncan said he opposed vouchers, but D.C. is a special case. Here’s the O.U.’s letter, which states that Duncan has "put the needs of children ahead of political ideology."
Dear Secretary Duncan,
On behalf of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, we write to express our appreciation for your statement in support of continuing the Washington, DC school voucher program.
As advocates of constitutionally permissible aid to empower parents to choose the best education for their children, we at the Orthodox Union are very pleased that you have put the needs of children ahead of political ideology. In these difficult economic times, it is even more difficult for parents to afford the school that will be best for their children, and government programs which assist parents in doing so promote the socially just goal of affording equal educational opportunity to all.
Mr. Secretary, we thank you for your outstanding leadership in the area of national educational concerns – and your views that we need to make all American schools great schools.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Executive Vice President
Nathan J. Diament, Director – Public Policy
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
