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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2002

News Release

NEA Hails Florida Voucher Decision

The National Education Association hailed the decision today by the Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit Court for Leon County, Florida, which overturned the state's voucher program. The Suit, which was funded by NEA and the Florida Education Association, was argued by NEA attorneys and initiated by the two organizations in 1999.

The decision by Judge P. Kevin Davey clearly shows that the Florida voucher program violates the Florida Constitution, which states, "No revenue of the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution."

As Judge Davey pointed out, the language is "clear and unambiguous." Davey also stated that the voucher program has negatively impacted public schools and the quality of education they provide to the state's schoolchildren since the vouchers cause a "dollar for dollar reduction in the funds of the public school or school districts where the student was assigned."

NEA President Bob Chase said:

"NEA applauds the decision of the court, which found a clear violation of the Florida Constitution's provision for the separation of church and state. Quality education programs for Florida's children can be best delivered by reducing class size, ensuring the quality of teachers, and holding high expectations for all children. In fact, Florida citizens have a golden opportunity to make an important gain for Florida children by supporting the class-size reduction initiative on the ballot this November. Those who want to improve the quality of education clearly understand the connection between student achievement and smaller class size.

"Further, the decision today demonstrates that the U.S. Supreme Court case (Zelman v. Simmons-Harris) decided in June will not open the floodgates to vouchers. Not only do such programs have serious state constitutional barriers to overcome, they also lack public support. The public joins with us in putting our tax dollars to work to help all children attend the great public schools they deserve."

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.