Friday, January 24, 2020
School Choice and Taxpayer Money for Independent Schools Debate
Separation of Church and State has always been a constitutional given. However, Kendra Espinoza a mother from Montana is arguing that religious schools should have the right to receive public funding from tax money, just like every other public school. A Montana state constitutional amendment makes it illegal for taxpayer money to go to religious schools. Similar amendments are currently instituted in 37 additional states (NPR). Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue has reached the Supreme Court and the ruling could redefine the separation of Church and State. Kendra Espinoza is attempting to reinstate a religious school program that was deemed unconstitutional. In the program, donors would receive tax credit for contributions to private schools, including religious schools. Should the taxes families pay to their local public schools instead be given to their independent schools? While Conservatives and school choice supporters believe that it is only fair to be able to send children to a school that aligns with their religious beliefs, Liberals believe that Espinoza’s case could tear away much-needed money from the public schools. One of the arguments for funding independent schools is that if students can not afford tuition for a religious school then they are forced to be taught against their beliefs. Since funding only non-religious private schools would be religious discrimination due to schools not receiving benefits based on their beliefs there is no middle ground. Either all private schools have access to taxpayer funds or none do. This also brings up a separate question for those who are looking for compensation if private schools do not get taxpayer funds. If a family doesn’t have a child enrolled in public school, should they be required to contribute to support public education? Read this article to find out more.
Do you support Kendra Espinoza’s case why or why not?
What implications positive or negative can you see if Espinoza wins the case?
Do you believe that everyone should have the right to go to an independent school that teaches their beliefs? If so, what if they can’t afford this and need taxpayer money?
Do you feel that you should have to pay taxes for community services you don’t use? Why or why not?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1. I do not agree with Kendra Espinoza because you are taking money from public schools if this case wins. A lot of people cannot afford private education, we want every child to have the chance of a better education but how are you supposed to give them that if money funding there education will be taken away.
ReplyDelete2. I think that if Espinoza wins the case public schools all over will lose money. Most parents want the best for their children so if public schools won't be able to offer their children a good education these families will feel forced to send their children to a private school and do anything to pay for it. I feel that families shouldn't feel forced to choose a private school, it should be a choice but if money is taken from public schools kids that are at public schools won't receive the education they need and deserve.
3. I think that everyone should have the right to go to a private school if they wish. Although I believe this I don't think taxpayer money should be used but I think the ability to recieve financial aid should be increased. That way money is not taken from other schools but these people that cannot afford tuition can have the option to send their children to private school.
4. I think that we should be forced to pay taxes for community services we don't use because some people do use it. Not paying for public schools because you go to a private school is like if you don't have a car you can argue that you don't have to pay taxes to fix roads. Or it's also like saying thats since some of us are not suffering from poverty that we don't need to pay taxes to help the poor. These are all taxes that are needed to help others and if we take taxes from services you don't need your bringing people that do need it down.
1) I don't agree with Kendra Espinoza because when you leave a public school you are deciding to leave the benefits and resources as-well. And if you knowing leave this school to go to a religious school, you should not be funded for because you gave up your right to attend a school which the government funded for, and if you don't want it then its not the governments fault.
ReplyDelete2)If Kendra Espinoza wins the case then I could see that most public schools would lose benefits and money. If people pay taxes knowing that their money isn't its going to their local school it might anger some tax payers. In additions, it is negatively going to affect many kids who attend public school.
3)I think this question relates to #1 because its the same thing. Tax payers don't owe these people money who want to be special and have their own religious schools. The government gives you system education and if you rant about it and want a religious school it should be anyones problem.
4)If someone used to use a service, like a public school. They should only be billed for the services they use or maybe they should get a discount on some taxes so it makes the system more fair. It would be like if you spend 3$ on hamburgers everyday but you stop eating them but they still charge you 3$ everyday it would be a little unfair and you would feel like your getting scammed.
1) I do support Kendra Espinoza’s case because, to disagree with Thomas, I think a family should have the choice of an affordable school that teaches to their beliefs. However, I don’t think Espinoza is going to win her case because it would mean taking money from public schools which would cause a lot of problems.
ReplyDelete2) If Espinoza wins the case, I think there would be problems with the funding of public schools because some or most of the money would go towards funding religious and private schools. This would be a negative impact because other families that can’t afford private schools might not be able to receive a good education if public schools aren’t able to accept as many students. On the other hand, a positive outcome if Espinoza wins the case would be affordable schools for those who are religious.
3) Yes, I believe that everyone should have the right to go to a school that teaches their beliefs. If they can’t afford the school, then I think the school should provide financial aid to the family so that their child can attend.
4) Even though I don’t want to pay taxes for services I don’t use, I think some should be mandatory. I don’t go to a public school, but I think public school taxes should definitely be required because they provide education for children who can’t afford private schools.
1. I disagree with Kendra Espinoza because like Thomas said, public schools are funded by the Government, while religious schools are founded by tuitions and religion place of prayer (church, synagogue, mosque, etc.). The separation of church and state was put in place for a reason and has been in place for centuries. Changing this would ripple the peace created when church and state became separate.
ReplyDelete2. If Espinoza were to win the case few people (relative to the population of the U.S.) would be happy, most people would be mad, and one of the United State's founding principles would be violated. I believe that some people would see it as unfair for them to need to pay for someone else's religious schooling through their taxes. If Espinoza wins this and taxes do go up it would be a catastrophic to those barely managing to get by, and it would get people who already do not like taxes angrier. The only upside to this is that religious schools would be free, which would not be worth the push-back.
3. I think that if one cannot afford an independent, religious school and one would need to send their child to public school then practicing religion in a religious place (church, synagogue, mosque, etc.) could act as that religious education.
4. I believe that we should have to chip in to community services that we do not use because despite us not specifically using them they can benefit a community, state, or even the entire. United States. The point of taxes being mandatory is so that one does not only pay taxes on what they need, but rather so that they pay taxes on what benefits everyone/anyone.
1) I disagree with Espinoza because like Valentina previously said, if the case wins, the money will be taken away from public schools. The public schools need to be funded because although they provide free education, they do need to be funded by the government/taxes. This will make the situation worse when kids go to public schools and can’t afford good education.
ReplyDelete2) If Espinoza wins the case; a bunch of funding will be taken away from public schools. This will result in worse education for kids who can’t afford anything better. The other side to this argument (if she doesn’t win the case) will result in religious schools not having equal funding. This will upset many because they won’t be able to give their children the education and the ability to study under their faith that they should have.
3) I do believe that everyone has a right to go to a school where they believe they will feel safe. If they are of a certain religion and they want to study under their faith, then they should do so, but it shouldn’t take away the resources and happiness of others. I think that if someone can’t afford these schools then they must find a way to get financial aid and maybe send their kids to a public school and have alternative study of their faith outside of school. I think that we need to find solutions for people in these situations so that they can get the education they want and need.
4) Although I wouldn’t want to pay taxes if they don’t have many benefits for me, I do believe that we should help our community and give back. I think that we should be obligated to give a substantial amount of money to places and organizations that need it.
1. I disagree with Espinoza's claim because it could easily take the fundings for public schools. To agree with Valentina, many families can not afford private school, so if money is cut from public schools, many children will not have access to a good education. I do understand Espinoza's point because many people can't afford to send their kids to a school that costs money but want their children's religious beliefs to be fostered, so they are put in a challenging position. But, more children are attending public school so, putting tax money towards religious schools will not serve to be beneficial to a wide variety of kids.
ReplyDelete2. Public school funding will be taken, if Espinoza wins the case. The quality of public education will go downhill if funding is cut, leaving millions with a worse education. If Espinoza wins the case, the positive outcomes could include, better quality religious schools, and not having to pay for religious schools. Overall, the outcomes of Espinoza's bill would be negative.
3. I believe that everyone has the right to attend a school that supports and teaches about their religious beliefs. Everyone should feel safe to express their religion at school and if going to a religious school allows them to do so, it is beneficial. The fact that religious school costs money is very inconvenient because many people cannot afford to send their children to a school that costs money.
4. I would not want to pay taxes for things that do not directly affect me, but I feel like it is the right thing to do. As a community, we have to look out for all people. Not everyone has the same needs, so we need to respect people's differences and do what we can to put money towards a variety of people that need it.
1) Like Valentina stated, I disagree with Kendra Espinoza, because though some don't believe in the ways of teaching in public education, there are several who cannot afford private education. Taking the money away from the public schools leaves nothing to those who rely on the public education system.
ReplyDelete2) If Espinoza wins the case I think that few individuals/families will be pleased, but the majority will suffer. The case will most likely cause a loss of money for public schools, a system many rely on for their children. However, it will positively impact the religious side by removing an education some see as against their religion.
3) I believe that schools should provide an education that supports their religious standpoint, however, that is a challenge that is nearly impossible to face, considering the number of religions that would have to be considered during teaching.
4) I believe that it should have to pay taxes for community services that don't affect us. We pay taxes to cover costs that cannot be handled on its own. Taxes somehow affect everyone, so everyone must contribute to our society through taxes, even if certain taxes do not affect them.
1. Like Valentina, I do not support Kendra Espinoza's case. Religious school vouchers should not exist because there should not be any government funding for private schools at all. School vouchers should only exist if they benefit the students achievements, and according to Americanprogress.org, oftentimes voucher programs result in a decline of test scores and academic achievement. Furthermore, vouchers take away much needed money from the public school system, resulting in greater inequity. Besides the moral issue of school vouchers, religious school vouchers violate the inherent right of separation of Church and State promised in the Constitution. By supporting religious institutions through school vouchers, the government is supporting a veritable theocracy. Religious school vouchers perpetuate inequality and violate the sacrosanct principle of the separation of Church and State.
ReplyDelete2. If Espinoza wins there will almost certainly be a decline in the quality of public schools in places where vouchers exist. Another implication might be the allowance of vouchers to be used for homeschooling because if there is no school for someone’s religion in their area, they could use religious beliefs as a way to receive vouchers for homeschooling.
3. No. Public schools teach the truth and factual information as best as they know, and if people believe that their public schools teach incorrect information, then it is their decision to go to find another option for schooling. They were offered a decent education, but turned it down, so it should be their responsibility for finding a more suitable education for their own beliefs.
4. Yes, I should pay taxes for services that I don’t use. Government services for the poor are not funded by those in poverty because they cannot pay enough to support those programs, those who can pay but are not in that program are the only ones who can support those services. If nobody paid for services that they don’t use, then some services that I use, such as the MBTA, would not be funded properly. People in Springfield or Worcester probably don’t ride the T often, but have to pay taxes that fund it. If only people who rode the T paid taxes to the MBTA, it would not have enough money to run. For a society to run smoothly, everyone has to contribute to services that help everyone else.
1. I do not agree with Kendra Espinoza’s case because everyone deserves an education and by taking away money from public schools, it is not allowing for everyone to have the opportunity. Not everyone can go to a private school, and if money is taken away, then the school will be in much worse quality, making it much harder on families to give their child a good education. Private schools already get a lot of money from the students attending and putting government money into private schools doesn't make sense.
ReplyDelete2. If Espinoza wins the case then money will be taken away from public schools and be given to private schools. This will result in lower quality in the public schools and parents will have to send their kid somewhere with unequal and not great education. Not only that, but it would be breaking the right of Seperation of Church and State, allowing for questionability in other matters like that.
3. I believe that everyone has the right to go to a school that teaches their beliefs and were they feel comfortable to share their beliefs. That being said, parents that can't afford a religious school and have to go to public school could find an after-school religious school or something else that works for their family.
4. I think we should pay taxes for community services we don't use. Taxes for the community benefit people that can not pay for the thing themselves and so it is taking a little bit of money from people who can afford it and putting it to use. By paying taxes, it is supporting things I use everyday and things that others use everyday that I don't.
1. I do not support Kendra Espinoza’s case because it has some flaws to it. While people should have the option of sending their children to a religious school, as Maddie said, I don’t think the way to do that is by taking the public-school funds. And that part of Espinoza’s plan, might be why it won’t end up being legislated.
ReplyDelete2. Both negative and positive outcomes will leave this if Espinoza wins the case. The students who are sent to a funded religious school will benefit from the terrific educational experience. But the majority of students in the U.S go to public schools, and if those funding’s get snatched, it will anger both families and taxpayers.
3. If a family really wants to send their child/children to a religious school and won’t settle for anything else, it is their right to attain that need. But if they cannot afford the tuition and other payments regarding the school, they don’t have the right to take taxpayer’s money that was put toward public schools. If this is the case they are in, the only fair and reasonable solution for all is they either go to any of the available and affordable schools or get home-schooled.
4. If it is something you don’t use, or has no affect to you whatsoever, you should not have to pay those taxes. It just doesn’t make sense to have to pay for something you don’t want, need, or use.
Do you support Kendra Espinoza’s case why or why not?
ReplyDeleteNo I don't part of living in that community and this country is to follow the laws and paying taxes are part of that law. Any state or federal tax that is issued must be paid and if there not they are commiting tax fraud.
What implications positive or negative can you see if Espinoza wins the case?
If Espinoza wins the case the other people will stop paying taxes on schools and our public schools will not be able to pay for necessary materials or be able to pay for school and the entire system will unravel.
Do you believe that everyone should have the right to go to an independent school that teaches their beliefs? If so, what if they can’t afford this and need taxpayer money?
I'm sorry although people have the freedom of religion they have to oblige the law if they cannot afford to pay for an independent school then they have to go to public school but if one person doesn't pay taxes why does anyone who go to private school which is thousand of people and millions of dollar.
Do you feel that you should have to pay taxes for community services you don’t use? Why or why not?
I think part of a community is funding it and keeping it running and although some people don't use though services they have the option to and without tax the community declines. Good schools are the base of any successful community or town and if people live in the area that have good school they have to option to go which means they have to pay.
1.) I don't agree with Espinoza's claim, to disagree with Maddie, because it is not the governments job to teach your kid religion. However I do not agree the federal government dipping its hand into state issues. The state should deal with this issue how it deals with it and provide its own jurisdiction. Furthermore the feral government has failed the American school system with common core and poor financial desicions.
ReplyDelete2.)
Positives: Fostering a solid environment from children and teaching them good American values that are often implemented in many religions. A better understanding of the previous generation and a better home environment.
Negatives: Spreading the idea that its okay to take money from public schools into schools which teach personal preference. The money should go to underfunded schools and programs in cities like Detroit and Baltimore.
Going to a school that fosters you belief is not a right. There is a distinct difference between rights and commodities. No-one is entitled to someones time and resources just because they think they are. That is the fundamental flaw with the socialist ideology, which is strange because conservatives seem to be the ones pushing this agenda.
4)I believe that we should pay taxpayer dollars for legitimate jobs of government such a military, infrastructure and a justice system, not fostering religious beliefs.
1, I agree with Aaron and I do not support Espinoza's case. Public school systems in the U.S. already don't get enough funding, and if this case gets passed the school system will get even less. This will continue in a continuous cycle. The school doesn't get enough funding, parents decide their kids shouldn't go to that school, and as a return, the school gets even less funding. Soon this situation just unravels and creates an awful school system.
ReplyDelete2, As I stated above there will be many negative implications if the Espinoza case is passed. One of these is that public schools will get less funding and that private and religious schools would see a sharp increase in students applying, as they could pay less as their tax money could be put on the school they are going to.
3, I believe that there is always a way for someone to go to an education system that teaches there beliefs. If no religious school works for someone then they should be homeschooled if their parents are that serious about religious schools. Asking if they can afford the taxpayer dollars is an unnecessary question. This is most likely only apply to a very tiny fraction of the population. If we try to satisfy them, it will anger many other people.
4, Yes I believe that to truly build a community we have to use the same percentage of our taxpayer dollars to the same things. We can't just depend on ourselves and expect to live at the same level of luxury. This dependency is vital for our survival.
I do not support Kendra Espinoza’s case because like Valentina said, in the event, the case wins, the money will be taking out of the funding for public school. Her case is bias and a bit selfish toward religious schools.
ReplyDeleteIf Espinoza’s case wins, public schools would lose money resulting in poor education and conditions. If kids are sent to a religious school then they will get a great funded education then they would at the public school.
I believe that everyone has the right to any kind of school they feel is the best fit for their children. Students should feel that they are in a safe environment to express themselves at school. It should be up to students and parents to find a school that agrees with what families believe in.
Yes because if I stop paying for a service I don’t use, another person who uses that service will stop paying for mine. Paying taxes for all services is a community act were if one service is not paid for less and less would be paid.