September FREEDOM WATCH Online

Freedom Watch Online

September 2011

School Vouchers, Parental Rights Movements Face Conflicting Interests

by David Trillo, guest writer

To many ardent church-state separation activists, and I am definitely ardent, opposition to tax-funded school vouchers for religious or parochial schools approaches an article of faith. Separationists argue that tax aid to religious schools is a plain, flagrant violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, and may violate state and federal laws by funding institutions that practice religious or other forms of discrimination.

Voucher supporters tend to view such prohibitions as discriminatory against religion or violations of parental rights.

On August 12, Denver District Court Judge Michael Martinez saw the Douglas County Choice Scholarship Program through separationists' eyes, ruling it unconstitutional. The school district intends to appeal.

These surface issues that typically make the news, however, miss most of the action that raises deeper concern. As is often the case when a political movement that normally tries to limit individual liberty takes sides with a "rights" cause, the explanation for the seemingly conflicting ideals begs an investigation.

School vouchers are often portrayed in the guise of parental rights. The right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children has been the subject of ballot initiatives in several states as well as favorable Supreme Court rulings that paved legal precedent for Constitutionally protecting a wide variety of unenumerated rights, including the divisive right to an abortion.

An amendment to the Constitution that reads, in part, "The liberty of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children is a fundamental right1" looks like something that I could vigorously support. An amendment that emphatically locks the government out of our family lives would appear to be a powerfully progressive tool.

Yet many of such an amendment's strongest supporters come from Religious Right groups that openly express legislative goals such as "protecting marriage," "strengthening the traditional family," and "policy issues relevant to families from a foundation firmly established in a biblical worldview" - words that clearly imply a governmental role in shaping and engineering family life.

Read the full analysis on our website

All Things Election

You know what time it is: Citizens Project is gearing up for election season. We've sent the candidate questionnaires for our Voter Guide (available October 20 to Freedom Watch subscribers), scheduled an election forum (details below), and updated our website with comprehensive election information. You should check it out! And while you're at it, get involved!

Citizens Project, Colorado Springs Independent, Pikes Peak Equality Coalition Election Education Forum, featuring selected school board races and ballot issues

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

5-7pm

Stargazers Theater, 10 South Parkside Drive (map)

Free & open to the public

Pikes Peak Equality Coalition Get-Out-The-Vote Parties

Featuring fun, food, games, prizes, and civic engagement. What else could you want?

Wednesday, September 28, 5-9pm - postcard writing

Thursday, October 13, 5-9pm - phone banking

Thursday, October 20, 5-9pm - phone banking

Get Involved

Pikes Peak Library District Seeks Board Applicants

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Board of Trustees Member
A meaningful public service commitment for the community oriented individual

General Information:
There are seven members serving on the PPLD Board. The term of office is five years; vacancies are filled for the remainder of the unexpired term. Regardless of the length of the term, in order to encourage greater participation on the Board from the community, Board members may serve for no more than two terms. One or two trustee terms expire annually. This ensures continuity, yet allows for the regular introduction of new Board members.
Board members are appointed jointly by the Colorado Springs City Council and the El Paso County Commissioners.
The Colorado Library Law addresses the composition of Boards in CRS 24-90-108. It specifically defines the power and duties of library boards in CRS 24-90-109. The Board for a library district is considered a governing, as opposed to an advisory Board, and responsibilities, as defined by both law and practice, are outlined below.

Application

Job Opening Announcement-- Program & Volunteer Coordinator, Inside/Out Youth Services

Inside Out Youth Services is seeking a full-time, paid staff position to oversee our youth programs. Please pass the attached job description to folks you know who may be interested and qualified to join our unique team making a huge difference to advance respect, safety and fairness for LGBTIQ youth and their allies in the Pikes Peak Region.

Please also note we will not be accepting phone call inquiries about the position, but request applicants view the full job description, including instructions on applying and salary information, at our website: www.insideoutys.org/about/program-volunteer

Application Information/Timeline:
Apply by sending cover letter and resume via email to Shawna@insideoutys.org

*Resumes accepted through September 30, 2011
**Interviews conducted early to mid-October, 2011
***Expected start date October 24, 2011

In This Issue

Proof that Diversity Drives Innovation

August 31, 2011

DiversityInc.

read it here

Historic Pro-Gay Equality Shift Led by Millennials - Evangelicals Included

August 30, 2011