Why We Still Need Public Schools

This anthology of essays by specialists in church-state separation as it pertains to public schools covers a variety of viewpoints, but the contributors share a concern about threats and assaults to the wall of separation, which in their view is constitutionally impregnable. In Part One the articles focus on the intent of the framers of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, countering arguments that nonpreferential aid to religion is embedded in the texts. Part Two addresses the campaign to authorize the use of tax monies for private-school tuition. The complexities of democratic choice are given a forum in this advocacy for strict separationism. Among the contributors are Florence Flast, William Schultz and Sen. Ernest Hollings. Must is director of the National Coalition for Public Education and Religious Liberty. (July)