Ft. Lauderdale, FL, August 16, 2004 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the decision of the Florida Court of Appeals striking down the state's voucher program as a violation of the Florida Constitution.

Mark Medin, ADL Florida Regional Director, issued the following statement:

We welcome the decision of the Florida Court of Appeals striking down the state's voucher program as a violation of the Florida Constitution.  This decision represents an important reaffirmation that the separation of church and state serves to promote and enhance religious freedom by keeping states from interfering in religious matters. 

ADL recognizes that our public schools need improvement, but redirecting funds away from these schools through a voucher program is not the answer.  The Court interpreted the Florida Constitution correctly, and the Constitution itself gets it right.   Taxpayer dollars should not be funding religious education and religious indoctrination. 

ADL was part of a coalition of groups challenging the Florida voucher program.  We will continue our advocacy on behalf of public education, and urge the state to find ways to improve education in Florida without violating the state Constitution.