Private schools taking voucher money can legally reject students for nearly any reason. That includes children with disabilities, learning differences, or kids whose religious beliefs don’t “fit” a school’s doctrine. They can even deny admission to a student for being Christian and still pocket taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, the vast majority of vouchers are going to families in the wealthiest ZIP codes, including many already paying for private school. Tennessee public schools welcome every child — and are the ones left struggling as funding is siphoned away.

At a time when state revenues are flat, children’s healthcare is being cut, and rural communities are fighting to keep their schools open, doubling spending on an unproven voucher program is unfair and fiscally reckless. Tennessee families shouldn’t subsidize discriminatory private schools while public schools stretch every dollar to serve all students, regardless of ability, background, or faith. Our tax dollars should strengthen the schools that open their doors to everyone.

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