New York, NY, March 31, 2011 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed concern over the inclusion in the New York state budget of $18 million a year in tuition assistance for students attending certain New York private religious schools.

Ron Meier, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:                                        

The appropriation of these funds is disappointing to everyone who cares about religious freedom in New York.  Government programs like this one, which provide funds to sectarian schools, have the troubling effect of forcing taxpayers to fund religious instruction and worship.  This is not right and it is unconstitutional.

 

We are also concerned that this funding was added in such a manner as to prevent any public comment or debate. 

The current draft of the New York State budget plan includes approximately $18 million a year in tuition assistance for students attending some private religious schools.