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The Straight Story

(48,121 posts)
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 11:43 AM Apr 2013

Tennessee Republicans threaten to kill GOP voucher bill over fear of funding Muslim schools

Republican lawmakers in Tennessee are threatening to block Republican Gov. Bill Haslam’s school voucher bill over fears that Muslim schools could receive funding.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported on Monday that Haslam hinted that he would withdraw his bill after objections from Republican lawmakers that it was not broad enough and that the vouchers could be used by Islamic schools.

Over the weekend, state Sen. Jim Tracy (R) had told The Murfreesboro Post that he had “considerable concern” that tax dollars could go to schools that teach principles from the Quran.

Tracy, who is on the Senate Education Committee and identifies himself as a member of the Church of Christ, insisted that Islamic school funding was an “an issue we must address” before the voucher bill can go forward.

“I don’t know whether we can simply amend the bill in such a way that will fix the issue at this point,” he said.

On Monday, Tracy told the News Sentinel that his staff had determined that there was at least one Muslim-oriented school — Pleasant View School in Memphis — that would be eligible for vouchers under the governor’s plan.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/02/tennessee-republicans-threaten-to-kill-gop-voucher-bill-over-fear-of-funding-muslim-schools/

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Katashi_itto

(10,175 posts)
1. Bit by bit. Inch by inch. The crazies are destroying the country. Romans had their barbarians
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 11:46 AM
Apr 2013

We have the Teabaggers. At least the Romans had the sense to try and deal with them in a real way.

Ilsa

(61,675 posts)
3. If using their own prejudices is what it takes
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 11:49 AM
Apr 2013

to stop the ridiculous transfer of public funds into private schools, then let's use it.

magellan

(13,257 posts)
4. Didn't another state try this and encounter the exact same "problem"?
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 11:49 AM
Apr 2013

My god, teh stupid is thick. And this is why federal funding of religious schools SHOULDN'T HAPPEN.

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
5. This has been part of my argument everytime I have a religious discussion with my father
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 11:54 AM
Apr 2013

and brothers. My brothers live in TN. I wonder what they think of this. They of course are evangelical Christian and would be appalled at the idea of funding Muslim schools but would want Christian schools funded.

 

bowens43

(16,064 posts)
7. Good I agree with them, kill the voucher bill!
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 12:01 PM
Apr 2013

the last thing this country needs is more christian schools

Douglas Carpenter

(20,226 posts)
10. perhaps the bill can state that only schools that teach about being washed in the blood of the lamb
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 12:13 PM
Apr 2013

and instruct the children on how to be saved, sanctified and baptized in the Holy Ghost and fire can be eligible for funding. Surely a provision like this can elevate their concerns.

Initech

(99,915 posts)
11. Is it safe to say that Tennessee House Republicans are the craziest in the nation?
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 12:28 PM
Apr 2013

Among other things they want to make welfare based on kids grades, and now this.

SpartanDem

(4,533 posts)
12. New anti-voucher strategy get Muslims schools to start applying for these things
Wed Apr 3, 2013, 07:55 PM
Apr 2013

the GOP will become the biggest fans public education.

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