Voucher Campaigns Walk Fine Legal Line
None by KCPW
(KCPW News) The statewide referendum on vouchers has put Utah's public schools in a tricky spot. Many public teachers, administrators and PTA members are also part of a coalition fighting the voucher law. But state law prohibits them from using school resources to campaign and requires equal treatment for the opposing view. The application of that law is proving troublesome. And KCPW's Julie Rose reports legal threats are brewing:
The pro-voucher group Parents for Choice in Education is threatening a lawsuit against public schools that distribute anti-voucher materials without also representing the pro-voucher position. The group has already sent letters of complaint to the Utah Attorney General and Salt Lake County District Attorney.
State law prohibits public school resources from being used for campaign purposes. Parents for Choice has documented several instances where those laws have been broken in recent weeks. The group has also sent a letter to every principal in the state demanding to be notified if a public school allows anti-voucher groups to hand out material or hold meetings at the school.
Utah State Office of Education Attorney Carol Lear says the law does not require schools to notify the opposing view. But she says the State Office of Education has been clear with public school teachers and administrators they must avoid campaigning during school hours or with school resources. Lear says she's had reports of both pro and anti-voucher campaigns misusing public resources in recent weeks.
Voters go to the polls for the statewide referendum on November 6th.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, Election Coverage, 2007 Legislative Coverage, and Election 2007. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. Jody Rosenblatt said:
What has happened to KCPW's pledge to report 'indepth, informed' news? I have not yet heard one investigative news story about the pros and cons of school vouchers. You are presenting the pro-vouchers viewpoints as if they were the actual views of a majority of voters and not paid for by out-of-state interests. I'd like to hear a story about the interest group that quietly greased this anti-constitutional trick through the first time. Does this really do anything but put more money into the hands of the rich? I am tired of hearing he-said, she-said battles and want to hear logically stated views for and against. And while we're at it, less advertisements. This is 'public radio'.
3. Cooper Abrams said:
If you want to read a great article on the subject go to http://www.deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/0,5223,695209774,00.htmlI think you will find what you are looking for....the truth...not NEA and teacher union misinformation.
4. Clark Miles said:
NEA funding is supporting factually inaccurate care-tactic commercials. The likelyhood that many people will not question these "facts" is an indictment against public education in general. Teaching professional who possess "teacher certificates" or degrees produced by "accredited" institutions is what has failed our Utah students. Look at the "product" they have given us, look at the cost of their system. The voucher program is not a complete solution. I would vote for the complete dismantling of the public schools. Fire all of the bureacracy, teachers and staff, and auction off the schools. Abolish the taxes. Institute literacy and math tests for fundamental skills as a requirement for voting. Give a tax break to organizations that will be established to independently accredit individuals for competency in basic skills who will issue certificates of competency for individuals to attach to their job applications and college entrance applications.
2. Jesse Harris said:
You mean "out of state interests" like the cool $1.5M from the NEA? *zing*