Religion and Federal Aid to Education

Abstract

One most controversial questions which has beset advocates federal aid for primary and secondary country has been whether nonpublic should be aided, and if so by what procedure and to what degree. The political record attempts to secure federal aid for primary and secondary education indicates rather clearly nature and extent these difficulties. Provisions dealing with this issue have been on several occasions sufficient weight to tip scales political fortune. At times positions important groups on this question have become so inveterate as to make a solution by compromise appear impossible. The advocates federal aid for primary and secondary education have frequently called attention to crucial nature provisions relating to aid for non-public and to strength opposing forces which arrayed themselves on this issue. For example, Senator Blair, whose bill restricted use federal funds to non-sectarian public schools, in i890 maintained that mounting opposition to this bill arose largely from Jesuit groups. He felt that his bill furnished arena in which supporters public education and advocates parochial or denominational system schools would reach a decision which would have much to do with the fate public-school system in our Republic.' From its inception Federal Government has indicated great interest in education, but problem aid to private did not at first emerge. Prior to I862 policy national government was not, on whole, designed to aid any special type education, such as agricultural. Before adoption Constitution, Ordinances I785 and I787 established a policy disposing public domain so as to encourage education in general. The Ordinance I785 reserved lot number sixteen of every township, for maintenance public schools, within said township. The Ordinance 1787 provided: Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and happiness mankind, and means education shall forever be encouraged. The use public lands in part for education helped to establish on a firm basis in many western states. Congress also on a number occasions early in history country granted land to public and to private institutions.2 The creation a national university was widely advocated during early years