Mississippi News
ACLU sues over $10 million allocated to private schools
‘Taxpayers' money shouldn't go to those schools': ACLU sues state over $10 million allocated to private schools
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announced Wednesday that they are suing to stop the state from giving $10 million in pandemic relief funds to private schools, as they say it violates the state Constitution.
The Legislature passed the bills appropriating this money at the end of the 2022 session in early April, a move that frustrated some advocates and legislators. The money comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which gave the Mississippi Legislature $1.8 billion to spend on pandemic response, government services, and infrastructure improvements to water, sewer, and broadband.
The bills also allocated $10 million to private colleges and universities for similar purposes, but those dollars are not challenged in this suit.
The lawsuit claims that since the Mississippi Constitution prohibits the expenditure of any public funds for private schools, the money allocated earlier this session is unconstitutional and asks for the court to block the state from enforcing the laws, which take effect July 1.
Senate Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Chair John Polk, R-Hattiesburg, told his colleagues who were opposed to the bills that the private schools had been impacted by COVID-19 and needed help to improve their infrastructure with the federal funds.
“We want to make sure they have some ability to improve their conditions,” he said.
During the lengthy debate of the legislation, though, no one brought up constitutionality.
Section 208, the portion of the Mississippi Constitution in question, reads:
“No religious or other sect or sects shall ever control any part of the school or other educational funds of this state; nor shall any funds be appropriated toward the support of any sectarian school, or to any school that at the time of receiving such appropriation is not conducted as a free school.”
Mississippi Today also questioned the legality of this spending in April.
READ MORE: Lawmakers spent public money on private schools. Does it violate the Mississippi Constitution?
“Educational funding that comes from taxpayer money should be used for public schools that are open to everyone, free of charge,” said Rob McDuff, a Mississippi Center for Justice attorney who is also working on this case. ”That's why the Mississippi Constitution says that public money can only be spent on public schools and not private schools. If people want to pay money to send their children to private schools, that's their business, but the taxpayers' money shouldn't go to those schools — it should go to the public schools that are open to everyone.”
The ACLU is suing on behalf of Parents for Public Schools, a Jackson-based nonprofit. Becky Glover, a policy analyst with Parents for Public Schools, called the bills passed earlier this year a “clear violation” of the state Constitution.
“The state and its taxpayers need to be responsible stewards of our public schools,” Glover said. “The Mississippi taxpayers are doing their part financially and legally to support public schools, but they need and deserve to count on the state to do its part too. The bottom line is, public money should stay with public schools.”
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Hatley seniors announce post high school plans during Decision Day
SUMMARY: Seniors at Hatley High School have been preparing for life after graduation with the help of a career coach for at least two years. Students like Madison Case participated in internship programs that allowed them to gain real-world experience and make a difference in their community. The career coach, Amie Prewett, works with juniors to help them define their goals and interests, providing job shadowing opportunities, college visits, and internships. The partnership between the school and local organizations like Monroe Strong has been instrumental in guiding students towards their desired career paths. The success of the program was evident in the positive feedback from students and parents.
The post Hatley seniors announce post high school plans during Decision Day appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Gordo Bypass in the works to improve Highway 82 traffic
SUMMARY: The 6.2-mile Gordo Bypass project in Alabama has two phases: the grade and drain phase completed in 2023, and the base and pave phase expected to start this year. The project aims to improve safety, mobility, and commerce for motorists in West Alabama. Once finished, US-82 will have four lanes from the Mississippi state line to Tuscaloosa. The project is expected to cost around 63 million dollars and will increase the capacity of Highway 82 while decreasing heavy truck traffic through Gordo. Local residents see opportunities for growth and development with the completion of the bypass.
The post Gordo Bypass in the works to improve Highway 82 traffic appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Super Bulldog Weekend brings economic boost to Starkville
SUMMARY: The MSU baseball game kicks off Super Bulldog Weekend in Starkville, drawing huge crowds and selling out hotels. Paige Hunt, Director of Tourism, highlights the economic benefits for the city, with visitors spending money and leaving tax dollars behind. Local businesses, like Campus BookMart, are gearing up for the rush of customers. Despite the busyness, store clerk Pam Minyard enjoys the excitement of game weekends and the community coming together. In addition to baseball, the football team will host its spring game. Overall, Super Bulldog Weekend brings economic growth and excitement to Starkville.
The post Super Bulldog Weekend brings economic boost to Starkville appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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