New York, NY, June 12, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed today’s vote by the United States Senate against the "Low-Income School Choice Demonstration Act of 2001," a proposed school voucher program. ADL had communicated concerns about the education funding measure to all members of the Senate prior to the 58-41 vote.

"We welcome the defeat of this bill, which we believe would have been a bad choice for those who care about public education," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

On May 22, the League communicated its concerns with the proposed voucher program to members of the Senate. The ADL letter warned that, " … adoption of this amendment would send an unwelcome signal that we are giving up on public education. This Amendment would divert scarce funds from genuine education reform efforts for the vast majority of students who will remain in public schools."

"We also continue to oppose voucher programs because they invariably channel taxpayer dollars primarily to religious institutions, which runs contrary to the principle of separation of church and state," Mr. Foxman said.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.