Push for school vouchers raises concern

School vouchers are often hailed as a way to increase educational choice among existing private schools. However, they are not primarily advocated by some legislative leaders to support these schools, but rather to cater to a few wealthy people gambling on the profit potential of creating new school systems.

These people are spending millions of dollars through lobbying to influence legislation for school choice.

While their promotion of vouchers may seem appealing on the surface, a deeper analysis reveals underlying dangers with far-reaching consequences for our society.

The legislative push for vouchers raises concerns in three critical areas – threats to religious freedom, the pursuit of profit at the expense of educational outcomes, and the destabilization of public education through political maneuvering.

One of the most pressing concerns about school vouchers is the risk they pose to religious freedom.

The United States is home to a vast array of religious beliefs – hundreds of denominations, each with its own doctrines, practices and interpretations. If school vouchers were widely implemented, they could lead to the establishment of countless religious schools, each promoting its specific faith-based curriculum while de-emphasizing or omitting instruction on the principles of our nearly 250-year-old democracy.

Consider this: We already live in a society where many adults struggle to understand the fundamental structures of our republic. What happens to the principles of religious freedom and the separation of church and state under such a system?

For 12 years of schooling, children could be exposed to curricula that not only promote a single religion, but also critique, dismiss, or incite conflict with others.

This environment could foster intolerance and division, creating conflicts that extend beyond the schoolyard into the broader community.

Moreover, government funding of religious schools through vouchers could create entanglements that undermine the foundation of religious liberty. The state could find itself in the precarious position of endorsing or discriminating against specific religions, leading to significant legal and ethical challenges.

The delicate balance envisioned by the founders – especially as outlined in the First Amendment, with a government that neither promotes nor inhibits religion – would be at risk of being shattered, leaving a nation divided not just along political lines, but also among countless religious factions.

A second critical issue is the temptation for business leaders to view education as a lucrative market rather than a public good.

The example of cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania serves as a cautionary tale.

These institutions, often marketed as innovative alternatives to traditional public schools, have prioritized profit over student outcomes, with dismal results. At the same time, they have drained public funds excessively.

School vouchers could similarly open the door to profiteering across the educational landscape. New for-profit private schools might see vouchers as an opportunity to maximize revenue at the expense of quality education. The focus could shift from fostering well-rounded, critical thinkers to generating profits for shareholders.

This commodification of education could exacerbate societal inequalities. Affluent families might use vouchers to supplement their own funds and gain access to elite private schools, while lowincome families are left with substandard options. This system would entrench social stratification, contradicting the American ideal of equal opportunity for everyone.

The third issue with school vouchers is their potential use as a political weapon in the ongoing battle over public education.

Some proponents of vouchers see them as a tool to weaken public schools, which they perceive as strongholds of unionism and progressive values. By diverting funds from public schools to private institutions, voucher advocates could deprive public schools of the resources they need to function effectively.

However, because schools are governed at the local level, addressing perceived issues with progressive approaches is not only possible but also already occurring, as Republicans and Democrats serve on local school boards.

Undermining public schools through exaggerated cultural conflict narratives not only diminishes the quality of education, but also destabilizes the broader political landscape.

Public education has long been a cornerstone of American democracy, providing a shared foundation for citizens of all backgrounds. Weakening it could erode trust in public institutions and deepen the polarization of an already divided electorate.

The push for school vouchers is not merely an educational issue; it is a political gamble with the potential to reshape the very fabric of our society. The risks of increased religious conflict, the commodification of education and the erosion of public schools are dangers we cannot afford to ignore.

As we consider the future of education in America, we must prioritize the common good over narrow interests and ensure that our educational system remains a foundation of unity, opportunity and democratic values.

Jerry Zahorchak is a former secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and superintendent of Greater Johnstown School District. His 35-year career in public education also included time as a teacher and football coach.

tribdem@tribdem.com