One of my great concerns – after working for 17 years on issues of homelessness and affordable housing before entering seminary – is access to public education for children experiencing homelessness. Many communities have until recently refused to admit homeless children and even started segregated schools for their sure. Recent federal law – passed over the president’s objections but with bi-partisan support – have outlawed segregated schools for homeless children and required local school districts to provide access and resources for kids and their families living on the streets.
Sadly, the Bush Administration and Republican leaders in the House and Senate have used the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina to try and give schools waivers which would exempt them from following federal law in this area. The result: school districts would once again be allowed to set-up segregated schools for homeless kids and for all those made homeless by Katrina and Rita. Separate is not equal. Senate leaders have backed off the idea but House leaders and the White House have not.
Visit the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth to learn more.
Religious leaders from the United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Presbyterian Church USA wrote a letter this past week to Congress and the president urging them not to “politicize” the rebuilding of our public school system in the Gulf Coast. Check out the letter and pass it along to your friendss and send your thoughts to your Congressional delegation.
Related Post: Oregon Schools Open Doors To Katrina Evacuees
